History of Nikola Jokić in Timeline

Nikola Jokić, a Serbian professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets, is widely considered one of the greatest players and centers in NBA history. Known as "the Joker", he is a seven-time NBA All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA Team six times. Jokić won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2023-24. He also represents the Serbian national team, winning a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1953: Most Minutes Played Since 1953

In Game 3 against Portland, Jokić logged 65 minutes during the game, the most since 1953, where another quadruple-overtime game occurred in the playoffs.

1955: Jim Tucker's Triple-Double Record

In 1955, Jim Tucker set the previous record for the quickest triple-double in NBA history, achieving it in 17 minutes, which was later surpassed by Nikola Jokić.

1961: Joining Oscar Robertson

In 1961, Jokić became just the second player in NBA history to have at least 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, and 700 assists in a season, joining Oscar Robertson.

1963: Joining an exclusive group

In 1963, Jokić joined Robertson in an exclusive group of players to record a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

1966: Wilt Chamberlain's Triple-Double Achievement

In 1966, Wilt Chamberlain achieved a triple-double with 30 or more points without missing a field goal, an accomplishment that Nikola Jokić later replicated.

1966: Second Round Draft Era MVP

Since 1966, the start of the common draft era, no player drafted in the second round had ever won the MVP award. Jokić became the first-ever player to be drafted in the second round of the common draft era (since 1966) to win the award in 2021.

1967: Joining Elgin Baylor

In 1967, Jokić became the first player since Elgin Baylor to start a season with 12 straight games of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds.

1967: Breaking Chamberlain's NBA record

In 1967, Jokić broke Chamberlain's NBA record for triple-doubles in a single postseason with his eighth of the playoffs during Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

1967: Joining an exclusive group

In 1967, Jokić joined Chamberlain in an exclusive group of players to record a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

1967: Wilt Chamberlain's Triple-Double Achievement

In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain achieved a triple-double with 30 or more points without missing a field goal, an accomplishment that Nikola Jokić later replicated.

1968: First Center Since Chamberlain with 18 Assists

In 1968, Chamberlain achieved a record of at least 18 assists in a game. On December 29, 2020, Jokić became the first center to record at least 18 assists in a game since Chamberlain.

1968: First NBA Player Since Chamberlain with 35/25/10

In 1968, Chamberlain put up at least 35 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game. On December 18, 2022, Jokić became the first NBA player since Chamberlain to put up at least 35 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.

1975: First Center Since Abdul-Jabbar with 50 Points and 10 Assists

In 1975, Abdul-Jabbar reached 50 points and 10 assists in a game. On February 6, 2021, Jokić became the first center to do so since Abdul-Jabbar.

1975: Most 25-20-10 Games in NBA Playoff History

In 1975, Jokić is the only player to have multiple 25-20-10 games since the NBA and ABA merged.

1976: First 30/20/10 Game Since Abdul-Jabbar

In 1976, Abdul-Jabbar accomplished a 30/20/10 game. On February 4, 2020, Jokić recorded 30 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking the first 30/20/10 game by any NBA player in four years, and only the third since Abdul-Jabbar in 1976.

1976: Consecutive Double-Double Games

In 1976-77, Bill Walton reached 34 consecutive double-double games. In 2021, Jokić opened the season with 20 consecutive double-double games, putting him only behind Bill Walton since the American Basketball Association merged with the NBA in 1976.

1977: Responsible for 71 points

In 1977, Jokić became the first player in NBA history to score or assist on 70+ points in a playoff game without committing a turnover since turnovers were first tracked.

1982: Joining Magic Johnson and LeBron James

In 1982, Nikola Jokić became just the third reigning Finals MVP to open an NBA season with a triple-double, joining Magic Johnson (1982) and LeBron James (2016).

1984: Passing Johnson and the Lakers

In 1984, Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets surpassed Magic Johnson and the Lakers' record from 1984 to 1987 for consecutive team wins when Jokić recorded a triple-double.

1987: Passing Johnson and the Lakers

In 1987, Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets surpassed Magic Johnson and the Lakers' record from 1984 to 1987 for consecutive team wins when Jokić recorded a triple-double.

1987: Teammates with 25 points and 10 assists

In the 1987 NBA Finals, Jokić and Jamal Murray became the second pair of teammates since Magic Johnson and James Worthy in the 1987 NBA Finals to each put up at least 25 points and 10 assists in an NBA Finals game.

1988: 25-Plus Points, 20-Plus Rebounds, and Five-Plus Assists

In 1988, Charles Barkley recorded 25-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists in consecutive games. On December 27, 2021, Jokić became the first player since Barkley to achieve this feat.

1988: Joining an exclusive group

In 1988, Jokić joined James Worthy in an exclusive group of players to record a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

February 19, 1995: Nikola Jokić's Birth

On February 19, 1995, Nikola Jokić, a Serbian professional basketball player, was born. He currently plays center for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

2000: First Center to Win MVP Since O'Neal

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. Jokić won the award in 2021, becoming the first center to win the award since O'Neal.

2006: First Playoff Debut Triple-Double Since James

In 2006, James achieved a triple-double in his playoff debut. This was the most recent instance of such an event until Jokić replicated it in Game 1 of the Nuggets' first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs.

May 2009: Anthony's Performance in Conference Semifinals

In May 2009, Carmelo Anthony scored 41 points in a conference semifinals game, the first instance of a Nuggets player scoring 35+ points in such a game until Jokić matched and surpassed it.

2011: All-Star Game Starter Since Anthony

On February 2021, Jokić was selected for his third consecutive All-Star appearance, this time as a starter, becoming the first Nuggets player to start in the All-Star game since Anthony in 2011, as well as joining Alex English and David Thompson as the only Nuggets players to be selected to three straight NBA All-Star games.

December 2012: Signed with Mega Vizura

In December 2012, Nikola Jokić signed a contract with Mega Vizura to play youth basketball.

February 2013: Signed Four-Year Contract with Mega Vizura

In February 2013, Nikola Jokić officially signed a four-year contract with Mega Vizura.

March 2013: Ty Lawson Earned Player of the Week Honors

In March 2013, Ty Lawson earned Player of the Week honors, being the last Nugget before Nikola Jokić to achieve this.

June 26, 2014: Drafted by the Denver Nuggets

On June 26, 2014, Nikola Jokić was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

2014: Performance in 2014-15 ABA League

During the 2014-15 ABA League season, Nikola Jokić averaged 15.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, leading the league with an index rating of 22. He was named MVP four times and was named ABA League Top Prospect.

2014: Lowest-Drafted Player to Win MVP

In 2014, Jokić was selected 41st overall in the NBA draft. For his regular season performance in 2021, Jokić won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the lowest-drafted player in NBA history to be named MVP.

2014: Selected in the 2014 NBA Draft

In 2014, Nikola Jokić was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the NBA draft.

February 7, 2015: Scored 27 Points Against Szolnoki Olaj

On February 7, 2015, Jokić scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in an 88–77 loss to Szolnoki Olaj.

March 26, 2015: Named Adriatic League MVP

On March 26, 2015, Nikola Jokić was officially named the Adriatic League regular season MVP.

June 8, 2015: Scored 23 Points in Playoff Semifinals

On June 8, 2015, Jokić scored 23 points in a loss to Crvena Zvezda in the playoff semifinals of the Serbian League.

July 28, 2015: Signed Contract with Denver Nuggets

On July 28, 2015, Nikola Jokić signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets.

January 10, 2016: Recorded Nine Assists

On January 10, 2016, Jokić recorded a then career-high nine assists in a 95–92 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

October 29, 2016: Recorded 23 Points and 17 Rebounds

On October 29, 2016, Jokić recorded 23 points and a then career-high 17 rebounds in a 115–113 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

2016: NBA All-Rookie First Team Selection

In 2016, Jokić was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2016: Joining Magic Johnson and LeBron James

In 2016, Nikola Jokić became just the third reigning Finals MVP to open an NBA season with a triple-double, joining Magic Johnson (1982) and LeBron James (2016).

2016: Silver Medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Nikola Jokić represented the Serbian national team and won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics.

January 16, 2017: Scored a Career-High 30 Points

On January 16, 2017, Nikola Jokić scored a then career-high 30 points in a 125–112 victory over the Orlando Magic.

February 28, 2017: Recorded Third Career Triple-Double

On February 28, 2017, Jokić recorded his third career triple-double with 19 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a 125–107 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

November 7, 2017: Scored Career-High 41 Points

On November 7, 2017, Jokić scored a then career-high 41 points in a 112–104 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

January 8, 2018: First Triple-Double of the Season

On January 8, 2018, Jokić had his first triple-double of the season with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 124–114 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

July 9, 2018: Signed Contract Extension with Nuggets

On July 9, 2018, Nikola Jokić signed a five-year, $148 million maximum contract extension with the Denver Nuggets.

2018: Joining Chris Paul

In 2018, Jokić became the second player in NBA postseason history to finish a game with at least 40 points, 10 assists, and no turnovers, joining Chris Paul.

January 5, 2019: Season-High Performance Against the Charlotte Hornets

On January 5, 2019, Nikola Jokić scored a season-high 39 points, along with 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 123-110 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Jokić also earned his second Player of the Week honor.

May 24, 2019: Announcement to play in the FIBA Basketball World Cup

On May 24, 2019, Jokić announced he would play for Serbia at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

November 8, 2019: Game-Winning Jumper Against the Philadelphia 76ers

On November 8, 2019, Jokić hit a game-winning jumper with 1.2 seconds remaining against the Philadelphia 76ers, securing a 98–97 victory after rallying from a 21-point deficit.

January 6, 2020: Career-High 47 Points Against the Atlanta Hawks

On January 6, 2020, Jokić scored a then career-high 47 points against the Atlanta Hawks, contributing to a 123–115 road victory.

October 24, 2020: Marriage to Natalija Mačešić

On October 24, 2020, Jokić married his longtime girlfriend Natalija Mačešić in his hometown of Sombor.

December 29, 2020: Career-High 18 Assists Against the Houston Rockets

On December 29, 2020, Jokić recorded a then career-high 18 assists against the Houston Rockets in a 124–111 victory. He became the first center to record at least 18 assists in a game since Chamberlain in 1968.

2020: Joining an exclusive group

In 2020, Jokić joined James in an exclusive group of players to record a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

February 6, 2021: Career-High 50 Points Against the Sacramento Kings

On February 6, 2021, Jokić recorded a then career-high 50 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists, and three blocks in a 119–114 loss to the Sacramento Kings. He set a franchise record for being the first Nuggets player with at least 50 points and 10 assists while also becoming the first center to do so since Abdul-Jabbar in 1975.

September 2021: Birth of Daughter Ognjena

In September 2021, Nikola Jokić and Natalija Mačešić had their first child, a daughter named Ognjena.

Others born on this day/year

November 8, 2021: Ejection After Altercation with Markieff Morris

On November 8, 2021, during a game against the Miami Heat, Jokić and Markieff Morris were both ejected after Morris shoved Jokić, leading Jokić to retaliate.

January 25, 2022: 5,000 Rebounds and 3,000 Assists in First 500 Games

On January 25, 2022, Jokić recorded 28 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists in a victory over the Detroit Pistons. Jokić also became the only player in NBA history to record 5,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists within his first 500 career games.

June 15, 2022: Return to national team announced

On June 15, 2022, Jokić announced that he would return to the national team after three years for the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the EuroBasket 2022.

July 1, 2022: Supermax Contract Extension with the Nuggets

On July 1, 2022, Jokić agreed to a five-year $264 million supermax contract extension with the Nuggets, making it the richest deal in NBA history at the time of the signing.

2022: NBA Finals MVP and First NBA Championship

In the 2022–23 NBA season, Nikola Jokić was awarded NBA Finals MVP after leading the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship.

January 1, 2023: Triple-Double with No Turnovers Against the Boston Celtics

On January 1, 2023, Jokić recorded his 85th career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and no turnovers against the Boston Celtics. He became the first player in NBA history to have multiple games of at least 30 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds without a turnover.

July 2023: Opted Out of FIBA World Cup

In July 2023, Jokić opted not to be selected for the 2023 FIBA World Cup due to physical and mental fatigue following his victorious season at Denver Nuggets.

October 24, 2023: Triple-Double in Season Opener

On October 24, 2023, Nikola Jokić recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 119–107 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, launching the Denver Nuggets' defense of their NBA championship.

2023: Winner of the Hickok Belt

For the 2023 calendar year, Jokić was named the winner of the Hickok Belt, presented annually by the National Sports Media Association to the top professional athlete in the United States.

January 4, 2024: Game-winning shot

On January 4, 2024, Jokić scored 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, hitting a buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer in a 130–127 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

June 10, 2024: Inclusion on Serbia's Preliminary Roster

On June 10, 2024, Jokić was included on Serbia's preliminary roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

October 26, 2024: Career-High Seven 3-Pointers

On October 26, 2024, Nikola Jokić scored 41 points and made a career-high seven 3-pointers in a 109–103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

November 2024: Birth of Son Ignjat

In November 2024, Nikola Jokić and his wife Natalija welcomed their second child, a son named Ignjat.

Others born on this day/year

2024: Bronze Medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Nikola Jokić represented the Serbian national team and won a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics.

January 2, 2025: 20/15/15 in Less Than 30 Minutes

On January 2, 2025, Jokić recorded 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists playing 29:31 minutes in a 139–120 win over the Atlanta Hawks, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 20/15/15 in less than 30 minutes.