Where is Nikola Jokic from? Where did he play before making it to the NBA?
Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are battling out the eastern conference finals against the Lakers and are currently one game ahead in the series.
The Denver Nuggets picked up the seven-foot Nikola Jokić in the Second Round of the 2014 NBA Draft after he began his basketball career in his native Serbia.
Upon his arrival in Denver, Jokić harbored humble aspirations and did not anticipate receiving significant playing time in his debut season as a rookie. However, during the 2015-16 season, the Nuggets saw unexpected contributions from a player not initially envisioned to play a significant role.
Despite initial doubts, he ended up playing in 80 games, including 55 starts and averaged an impressive 10 points and seven rebounds per game. His remarkable statistics secured him a coveted position on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Nikola Jokić keeps making history 🃏
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 17, 2023
- Only player in NBA history with multiple playoff games of 30+ PTS, 20+ REB, and 10+ AST.
- Tied for third all-time playoff triple-doubles.
- 1st player in playoff history with a 30 PTS triple-double and 70% shooting in consecutive games.
-… pic.twitter.com/LLAGCrbw9a
Where did Nikola Jokic play before coming to the NBA?
In 2012, Jokić commenced his professional basketball career at 17 by entering into a contractual agreement with KK Mega Basketball, a Serbian team that competes in the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) and the Serbian League.
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During his initial season, he primarily played for the club’s youth squad but had five appearances with the senior team. In his second year with the team, he assumed a more critical role participating in 25 games in the ABA and 13 games in the Serbian League.
The Denver Nuggets picked Jokić 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft after his 2013-14 season.