Nikola Jokic reflects on retirement timeline: “Playing until 37? Not even close”

Serbian basketball star Nikola Jokic has hinted that retirement is not on his mind yet, even as he reflects on the future of his career. After a busy offseason, which saw Jokic help Serbia secure a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, the 29-year-old is preparing for another demanding NBA season.

Jokic, who is known for his MVP-caliber performances, laughed off the idea of playing until the age of 37, as fellow Serbian athlete Novak Djokovic continues to do in tennis. “Not even close,” Jokic said with a smile, when asked if he imagined playing for as long as Djokovic, who recently won his 24th Grand Slam title at the Paris Olympics.

Despite the physical demands of his position as a centre, Jokic remains committed to both the Denver Nuggets and the Serbian national team. He explained that his busy schedule, moving from an NBA championship to Olympic duty, has not affected his mindset. “The last time I played with the national team, we won the championship, so that doesn’t really affect me,” he said during an interview in Abu Dhabi, where the Nuggets are set to play two preseason games.

Jokic has become a legend in both Serbian and international basketball, winning three NBA MVP awards in the last four years and leading his team to an NBA title. His contributions to Serbia’s basketball team have also been immense, including a third-place finish at the 2024 Olympics and the 2016 Olympics in Tokyo.

While he may not be planning to play into his late 30s, Jokic’s influence on the game continues to grow. Serbia’s national coach, Svetislav Pesic, praised the player’s character, saying, “I say that Nikola Jokic is a better guy than he is a player.”

Though his retirement may be years away, Jokic’s impact on basketball is already cemented. Whether on the NBA court or representing his country, Jokic’s dedication to the game makes him one of the sport’s greats.