Career Timeline of Nikola Jokić: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Nikola Jokić, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Nikola Jokić, nicknamed "Joker", is a Serbian professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets. As a center, he's considered one of the greatest NBA players and centers ever, notable as a draft steal. An eight-time NBA All-Star, Jokić has seven All-NBA Team selections and three NBA MVP awards (2020–21, 2021–22, and 2023-24). He won a silver medal with the Serbian national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics, and a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1953: Quadruple-Overtime Game

In 1953, another quadruple-overtime game occurred in the playoffs, before Jokić logged 65 minutes during Game 3 against Portland, a 140–137 quadruple-overtime loss.

1966: Start of the Common Draft Era

Since 1966 and the start of the common draft era, Jokić became the first-ever player to be drafted in the second round to win the MVP award.

1968: Chamberlain's Assist Record

In 1968, Chamberlain was the last center to record at least 18 assists in a game until Jokić achieved the same feat on December 29, 2020.

1968: Chamberlain's 35/25/10 Game

In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain was the last NBA player to put up at least 35 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game until Jokić's performance on December 18, 2022.

1975: Abdul-Jabbar's Center Record

In 1975, Abdul-Jabbar was the most recent center to record 50 points and 10 assists in a game until Jokić's performance on February 6, 2021.

1976: Abdul-Jabbar's 30/20/10 Game

In 1976, Abdul-Jabbar recorded the most recent 30/20/10 game before Jokić's performance on February 4, 2020.

1976: ABA/NBA Merger

Since the American Basketball Association merged with the NBA in 1976, Jokić opened the season with 20 consecutive double-double games, putting him only behind Bill Walton (34 in 1976–77).

1988: Barkley's consecutive 25/20/5 games

In 1988, Charles Barkley was the last player to record 25-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists in consecutive games, until Jokić matched the feat on December 27, 2021.

2000: O'Neal's MVP Award

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the last center to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award before Jokić won the award for his regular season performance.

2006: James' Playoff Debut Triple-Double

In 2006, James recorded a triple-double in his playoff debut, being the most recent player to do so until Jokić achieved the same feat in Game 1 of the Nuggets' first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs.

May 2009: Anthony's Semifinals Game

In May 2009, Carmelo Anthony was the last Nuggets player to score 35+ points in a conference semifinals game with 41 points, until Jokić scored 37 points in Game 1 against the Trail Blazers.

2011: Anthony's All-Star Honors

In 2011, Carmelo Anthony last earned back-to-back All-Star honors for the Nuggets before Jokić achieved the same feat on January 30, 2020.

December 2012: Signs with Mega Vizura

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

February 2013: Signs Four-Year Contract

In February 2013, at the age of 17, Nikola Jokić officially signed a four-year contract with Mega Vizura.

2013: Increased Playing Time for Mega Vizura

In 2013, Jokić saw increased playing time with the senior team of Mega Vizura. Over 25 Adriatic League games, he averaged 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He also played 13 games in the Serbian League, averaging 10.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.

2013: Silver Medal at FIBA Under-19 World Championship

In 2013, Jokić was a member of the Serbian U-19 national basketball team that won the silver medal at the FIBA Under-19 World Championship, averaging 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game over eight tournament games.

June 26, 2014: Drafted by 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: Jokić's NBA Draft

In 2014, Jokić was selected 41st overall in the NBA draft, becoming the lowest-drafted player in NBA history to be named MVP.

2014: Jokic averaged 15.4 points, league-leading 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game

In the 2014-15 ABA League Jokic averaged 15.4 points, league-leading 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while leading the league with an index rating of 22.

February 7, 2015: Scores 27 points and 15 rebounds in a loss

On February 7, 2015, Jokić scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in an 88–77 loss to Szolnoki Olaj while playing for Mega Leks

June 8, 2015: Scores 23 points in a loss to Crvena Zvezda

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: Signs with the Denver Nuggets

On July 28, 2015, Nikola Jokić signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets, one season after being drafted. He averaged 8.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in five summer league games for the team.

2016: Tournament MVP and Olympic Silver Medal

In 2016, Jokić represented Serbia at the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, earning tournament MVP honors, and won the silver medal at the Summer Olympics after losing to the United States in the final game.

2017: Developed "Sombor Shuffle"

In 2017, Nikola Jokić developed his signature move, the "Sombor Shuffle", during his recovery from an ankle injury. The move involves jumping off his right foot before launching a high-arching fadeaway.

July 9, 2018: Signs $148 Million Contract Extension

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

January 5, 2019: Season-High 39 Points Against Hornets

On January 5, 2019, Nikola Jokić scored a season-high 39 points, with 12 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a 123–110 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

May 24, 2019: Announcement to Play at FIBA Basketball World Cup

On May 24, 2019, Jokić announced he would play for Serbia at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup where the team finished in fifth place, with Jokić averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over eight games.

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

On November 8, 2019, Jokić made a game-winning jumper against the Philadelphia 76ers with 1.2 seconds remaining, leading the Nuggets to a 98–97 victory.

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

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

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

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

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

On February 6, 2021, Jokić recorded a then career-high 50 points, with eight rebounds, 12 assists, and three blocks in a 119–114 loss to the Sacramento Kings. He also became the first Nuggets player with at least 50 points and 10 assists.

November 8, 2021: Ejection After Altercation with Morris

On November 8, 2021, Jokić and Markieff Morris were ejected after Morris shoved Jokić, leading Jokić to retaliate. He was suspended for one game without pay.

January 25, 2022: Victory over Pistons

On January 25, 2022, Nikola Jokić recorded 28 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists in a 110–105 victory over the Detroit Pistons. He 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

On June 15, 2022, Nikola Jokić announced his return to the Serbian national team after three years, committing to participate in the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers and EuroBasket 2022.

July 1, 2022: Supermax Contract Extension

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

January 1, 2023: Triple-Double Against Celtics

On January 1, 2023, Jokić recorded his 85th career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and no turnovers in a 123–111 victory over 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.

October 24, 2023: Triple-Double in Season Opener

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

January 4, 2024: Game-Winning Shot Against the Warriors

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

June 10, 2024: Inclusion in Olympics Roster

On June 10, 2024, Nikola Jokić was named to Serbia's preliminary roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics, marking his potential participation in the prestigious international tournament.

October 26, 2024: 41 points and career-high seven 3-pointers

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

January 2, 2025: 20/15/15 in less than 30 minutes

On January 2, 2025, Nikola 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.

July 2025: Inclusion in EuroBasket Roster

In July 2025, Nikola Jokić was named to Serbia's preliminary roster for EuroBasket 2025, signifying his ongoing commitment to representing his country in international basketball competitions.

October 29, 2025: Fourth Consecutive Triple-Double

On October 29, 2025, Nikola Jokić recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, matching an NBA record with his fourth consecutive triple-double to start the season, in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

January 30, 2026: First NBA player with 30/10/5 in less than 25 minutes

On January 30, 2026, Jokić returned to the court after a 16-game absence, putting up 31 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists in a 122–109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists while playing less than 25 minutes in a game.

February 4, 2026: Tied for second most triple-doubles all-time

On February 4, 2026, Jokić put up his 181st triple-double in a 127–134 overtime loss to the New York Knicks, tying him with Oscar Robertson for the second most triple-doubles all-time.