Nikola Jokic is a professional basketball player who plays center for the Denver Nuggets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His nickname, “the Joker often refers to him.” Jokic is known for his versatile play style, characterized by layups rather than flashy dunks.
Despite this, he has been a significant contributor to the Nuggets, with the team scoring 18.7 more points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.
We have Nikola Jokic’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, biography, wife, and more.
Nikola Jokic’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Nikola Jokic |
| Nickname | Joker |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1995 |
| Age | 28 years |
| Nationality | Serbian |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 284 lbs (129 kg) |
| Current Team | Denver Nuggets |
| Position | Center |
| NBA Debut | June 26, 2014 |
| Spouse | Natalija Mačešić |
| Children | 1 daughter |
| Brothers | Nemanja and Strahinja |
| Birthplace | Sombor, Serbia |
| Draft Year and Pick | 2014, Round 2, Pick 41 |
| Instagram Handle | Jokicnikolaofficial |
Nikola Jokic was born on February 19, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia.
Jokic, who stands at 6’11” and weighs 284 lbs, plays the center position and has been a transformative player for the Nuggets.
Professional Career
The Denver Nuggets drafted Jokic as the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft.
He joined the Nuggets for the 2015–16 NBA season and quickly made an impact, averaging 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in his rookie season.
His performance has consistently improved over the years. He has averaged 20.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 626 regular-season games.
For his career, Jokic has played 9 seasons with the Nuggets, averaging 20.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 626 regular-season games.
Jokic’s list of accolades is impressive. He has been selected for five All-Star games and has won two MVP awards, one Finals MVP award, and one NBA championship.
His impact on the court is significant, with the Nuggets scoring 18.7 more points per 100 possessions when he plays.
Wife
Nikola Jokic’s wife, Natalija Jokic (née Mačešić), is a Serbian psychologist who has been by his side since their high school years in Sombor, Serbia.
The couple started dating in 2013 and got married in October 2020. They have a daughter named Ognjena.
Natalija is known for her private nature, which aligns with Jokic’s reserved personality.
She moved to Denver with Jokic when he joined the Nuggets in 2015 and has been a constant presence at his games, often seen cheering him on from the stands.
Natalija completed her Master’s degree in psychology from the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
She also played volleyball for Seminole State College in Oklahoma before moving to the United States.
Nickname
Nikola Jokic, a Serbian professional basketball player, is widely known by his nickname “The Joker.”
The nickname was given to him by his former Denver Nuggets teammate, Mike Miller, who had difficulty pronouncing Jokic’s last name, which is correctly pronounced “Yo-kitch.”
Miller chose a more Americanized nickname, coining him “The Joker.”
In addition to the phonetic convenience, the nickname “The Joker” also reflects Jokic’s playful personality and unique style of play.
Nikola Jokic’s Net Worth Details
Nikola Jokic’s net worth is estimated to be $70 million as of 2025. This includes earnings from his professional basketball career, particularly his contracts with the Denver Nuggets, and income from endorsements.
Contract and Salary
Jokic signed a 5-year contract with the Denver Nuggets worth $276,122,630, which includes a guaranteed amount of the same value and an annual average salary of $55,224,526.
In the 2023-24 season, he will earn a base salary of $47,607,350.
Throughout his career, Jokic’s earnings from NBA salaries alone have amounted to approximately $193,659,273.
Career Earnings
Here is a table detailing Nikola Jokic’s career earnings per season:
| Season | Team | Base Salary |
| 2015-2016 | Denver Nuggets | $1,300,000 |
| 2016-2017 | Denver Nuggets | $1,358,500 |
| 2017-2018 | Denver Nuggets | $1,471,382 |
| 2018-2019 | Denver Nuggets | $24,605,181 |
| 2019-2020 | Denver Nuggets | $26,573,595 |
| 2020-2021 | Denver Nuggets | $29,542,010 |
| 2021-2022 | Denver Nuggets | $30,510,423 |
| 2022-2023 | Denver Nuggets | $33,047,803 |
| 2023-2024 | Denver Nuggets | $47,607,350 |
Endorsements
In addition to his salary, Jokic earns a significant amount from sponsorships, with an estimated $20 million annually coming from deals with major brands such as Nike, Western Union, Somborac, and Panini.
His endorsement earnings are expected to increase following his achievements, including winning the NBA MVP award.
Career Stats
| Season | Games Played | Minutes per Game | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Assists per Game | Field Goal % | Three Point % | Free Throw % |
| 2015-16 | 80 | 21.7 | 10.0 | 7.0 | 2.4 | 51.2 | 33.3 | 81.1 |
| 2016-17 | 73 | 27.9 | 16.7 | 9.8 | 4.9 | 57.8 | 32.4 | 82.5 |
| 2017-18 | 75 | 32.6 | 18.5 | 10.7 | 6.1 | 49.9 | 39.6 | 85.0 |
| 2018-19 | 80 | 31.3 | 20.1 | 10.8 | 7.3 | 51.1 | 30.7 | 82.1 |
| 2019-20 | 73 | 32.0 | 19.9 | 9.7 | 7.0 | 52.8 | 31.4 | 81.7 |
| 2020-21 | 72 | 34.6 | 26.4 | 10.8 | 8.3 | 56.6 | 38.8 | 86.8 |
| 2021-22 | 58 | 33.5 | 26.4 | 13.5 | 8.3 | 56.6 | 38.8 | 86.8 |
| 2022-23 | 30 | 33.6 | 26.4 | 12.3 | 9.2 | 54.5 | 32.7 | 79.5 |
| Career Average | 626 | 30.9 | 20.5 | 10.6 | 6.8 | 55.3 | 34.7 | 82.7 |
Achievements
| Achievement | Number of Times | Years |
| NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) | 2 | 2020-21, 2021-22 |
| NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) | 1 | 2022-23 |
| NBA All-Star | 5 | Various |
| All-NBA First Team | 3 | 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22 |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2 | 2019-20, 2022-23 |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 1 | 2015-16 |
| NBA Player of the Month | 6 | Various |
| NBA Player of the Week | 11 | Various |
FAQs
1. Who is Nikola Jokić?
Nikola Jokić is a Serbian professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Known as “The Joker,” he is celebrated as one of the greatest centers and draft steals in NBA history. He has won three MVP awards and led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023.
2. What makes Nikola Jokić unique as a basketball player?
Jokić is renowned for his exceptional passing, court vision, and versatility, making him unlike any other superstar. He blends finesse and intelligence in his gameplay, excelling in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. His grounded personality and family-oriented values further distinguish him from other NBA players.
3. How many MVP awards has Nikola Jokić won?
Nikola Jokić has won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award three times: in the 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2023–24 seasons. He is the first center to win consecutive MVPs since Shaquille O’Neal and the lowest-drafted player to achieve this honor.
4. What are Nikola Jokić’s career achievements?
Jokić has earned numerous accolades, including three MVP awards, one Finals MVP (2023), four All-NBA First Team selections, and an NBA championship with the Nuggets in 2023. He also holds records for triple-doubles and is considered one of the best international players in NBA history.
5. What is Nikola Jokić’s playing style?
Jokić’s playing style is characterized by his ability to dominate with intelligence rather than athleticism. He excels at creating plays for teammates, scoring efficiently, and controlling games through his passing and decision-making. His style is often compared to legends like Larry Bird and Hakeem Olajuwon.
6. How did Nikola Jokić start his NBA career?
Drafted 41st overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2014, Jokić joined the team in 2015 after playing in Serbia’s ABA League. Despite being a second-round pick, he quickly made an impact by earning All-Rookie First Team honors and steadily improving into an MVP-caliber player.
7. What are Nikola Jokić’s notable records?
Jokić holds several records, including being the fastest player to achieve a triple-double (14 minutes and 33 seconds) and leading all players in points, rebounds, and assists during a single postseason (2023). He ranks among the top three players for career triple-doubles in NBA history.
8. How does Nikola Jokić balance basketball with his personal life?
Jokić prioritizes family over basketball, often stating that basketball is not the most important thing in his life. His grounded approach stems from his upbringing in Serbia, where he developed close bonds with his brothers and cultivated values of humility and dedication.
9. What are Nikola Jokić’s career averages?
Jokić’s career averages include 21.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game during regular seasons. In playoffs, he averages 27.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, showcasing his dominance on the biggest stage.
10. How has Nikola Jokić impacted the Denver Nuggets franchise?
Jokić transformed the Nuggets into championship contenders, leading them to their first-ever NBA title in 2023. His leadership on and off the court has elevated the team’s performance while solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players of all time.
