The Joker — three-time NBA MVP and the most complete passing big man in basketball history.
Nikola Jokic was born in Sombor, Serbia in 1995, the youngest of three brothers who all played basketball. Denver Nuggets selected him 41st overall in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft — one of the most valuable picks in draft history. His development from a rotund, undrafted-level prospect to a three-time MVP is basketball's greatest modern development story. He won the NBA MVP three times (2021, 2022, 2024) — one of only four players in history to win three or more. He led the Denver Nuggets to his first NBA championship in 2023, winning Finals MVP. He was selected to seven All-Star games. His statistical profile is unique in NBA history: he is a 7-foot centre who averages nearly 9 assists per game while also leading his team in rebounding and scoring — no player of his size has ever produced at this level in all three categories simultaneously. His passing vision — threading no-look passes through traffic, finding cutters from the high post, running pick-and-roll with precision — is described by many coaches as the finest they have ever seen from any position. He was named NBA 75th Anniversary Team member in 2021.
First center to win MVP in modern era, triple-double machine
How They Played
Elite playmaker, versatile scorer, exceptional court vision
Lasting Impact
Revolutionary passing big man who changed center position
NBA Champion 2023
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 2023
- NBA MVP 2021
- NBA MVP 2022
- NBA MVP 2024
- Finals MVP 2023
- All-Star 7x
- All-NBA First Team 5x