History of Nikola Jokić in Timeline

Nikola Jokić, a Serbian professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets, is considered one of the greatest NBA players and centers of all time. Known as "the Joker," he's 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 for the 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2023-24 seasons. 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

1955: Jim Tucker's Previous Record

In February 15, 2018, Jokić recorded the quickest triple-double in NBA history in 14 minutes and 33 seconds, besting Jim Tucker's previous record of 17 minutes from 1955.

1959: Elgin Baylor's Performance

In 1959, Elgin Baylor was one of only three players in NBA history to tally 56 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in a game.

1961: Elgin Baylor's Back-to-Back Games

In 1961, Elgin Baylor was one of the first two players in NBA history to record back-to-back games with at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.

1961: Comparison to Oscar Robertson

In the 2023-2024 season, 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 from the 1961-62 season.

1962: Achievement compared to Oscar Robertson

On October 29, 2024, Jokić became just the second player in NBA history to achieve 29 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists in a game. The only player previously to reach those totals in a game was Oscar Robertson, who did it twice in 1962.

1963: Robertson's inclusion in exclusive group

In 1963, Robertson was among the exclusive group of players who recorded a 25-point, 15-rebound and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

1963: Wilt Chamberlain's Back-to-Back Games

In 1963, Wilt Chamberlain was one of the first two players in NBA history to record back-to-back games with at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.

1966: Wilt Chamberlain posted a triple-double

In 1966, Wilt Chamberlain was the only player in NBA history to post a triple-double with 30 or more points without missing a field goal.

1967: Chamberlain's inclusion in exclusive group

In 1967, Chamberlain was among the exclusive group of players who recorded a 25-point, 15-rebound and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

1967: Wilt Chamberlain posted a triple-double

In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain was the only player in NBA history to post a triple-double with 30 or more points without missing a field goal.

1967: Breaking Chamberlain's record

In Game 4, Jokić posted his 14th career playoff triple-double and eighth of the playoffs breaking Chamberlain's 1967 NBA record for triple-doubles in a single postseason.

1967: Baylor's achievement

On December 4, Jokić was named Western Conference Player of the Month. He became the first player since Elgin Baylor in 1967 to start a season with 12 straight games of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds.

1968: Achievement compared to Wilt Chamberlain

On November 6, 2024, Jokić joined Russell Westbrook (Apr. 2, 2019) as the 2nd player to record a 20/20/15 game since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968.

1975: Jokic is only one to do it since the NBA and ABA merged after the 1975–76 season

In Game 2 of the Nuggets' first round playoffs series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jokić recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jokić is the only one to do it since the NBA and ABA merged after the 1975–76 season.

1977: First player to score or assist without turnovers since 1977

In Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Jokić was directly responsible for 71 points without a turnover. 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 in 1977–78.

1982: Comparison to Magic Johnson

On October 24, 2023, Jokić became just the third reigning Finals MVP to open an NBA season with a triple-double, joining Magic Johnson in 1982.

1987: Comparison to Magic Johnson and James Worthy

In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Jokić and Jamal Murray joined Magic Johnson and James Worthy as the only pairs of teammates in NBA history to each put up at least 25 points and 10 assists in an NBA Finals game since the 1987 NBA Finals.

1988: James Worthy's inclusion in exclusive group

In 1988, James Worthy was among the exclusive group of players who recorded a 25-point, 15-rebound and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

1992: Larry Bird's Performance

In 1992, Larry Bird had one of the four instances in NBA history that a player logged 48 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

February 19, 1995: Nikola Jokić Born

On February 19, 1995, Nikola Jokić was born in Serbia. He later became a professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets.

Others born on this day/year

December 2012: Signed with Mega Vizura

In December 2012, Jokić signed a contract with Mega Vizura.

February 2013: Signed Four-Year Contract

In February 2013, 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 was the last Nugget to earn Player of the Week honors before Jokić.

2013: Played More Minutes for Mega Vizura

During the 2013–14 season, Jokić saw more minutes on the court for the Mega Vizura senior team, averaging 11.4 points in the Adriatic League.

2013: FIBA Under-19 World Championship

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

June 26, 2014: Selected in the NBA Draft

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

2014: Selected by the Nuggets in the 2014 NBA draft

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

2014: Averaged 15.4 Points in the 2014-15 ABA League

In the 2014-15 ABA League, Jokić averaged 15.4 points, league-leading 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

February 7, 2015: Scored 27 Points Against Szolnoki Olaj

On February 7, 2015, Nikola 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, 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 the Nuggets

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

2015: Russell Westbrook's Performance

In 2015, Russell Westbrook had one of the four instances in NBA history that a player logged 48 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

January 10, 2016: Recorded Career-High 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: Career-High 17 Rebounds

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

2016: 2016 Summer Olympics

At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Jokić and Serbia won the silver medal, after losing to the United States in the final game 96–66.

2016: 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2016, Jokić represented Serbia at the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, earning tournament MVP honors.

2016: NBA All-Rookie First Team

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

2016: Silver Medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics

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

2016: Comparison to LeBron James

On October 24, 2023, Jokić became just the third reigning Finals MVP to open an NBA season with a triple-double, joining LeBron James in 2016.

January 16, 2017: Scored Career-High 30 Points

On January 16, 2017, Jokić scored a 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 career-high 41 points in a 112–104 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

2017: The "Sombor Shuffle"

During his recovery from an ankle injury in 2017, Jokić developed the "Sombor Shuffle", a signature move involving jumping off his right foot before launching a high-arching fadeaway.

2017: Russell Westbrook's Performance

In 2017, Russell Westbrook had one of the four instances in NBA history that a player logged 48 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

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 a $148 Million Contract Extension

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

2018: First All-Star and All-NBA First Team Selections

During the 2018–19 NBA season, Jokić received his first All-Star and All-NBA First Team selections.

2018: Comparison to Chris Paul

In Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Jokić logged 40 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists, and no turnovers. He 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 in 2018.

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

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

May 24, 2019: 2019 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 76ers

On November 8, 2019, Jokić made a game-winning jumper with 1.2 seconds left against the Philadelphia 76ers, securing a 98–97 victory for the Nuggets after they rallied from a 21-point deficit.

2019: Achievement compared to Russell Westbrook

On November 6, 2024, Jokić joined Russell Westbrook (Apr. 2, 2019) as the 2nd player to record a 20/20/15 game since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968.

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

On January 6, 2020, Jokić scored a career-high 47 points against the Atlanta Hawks, leading the Nuggets 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

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

2020: LeBron James' inclusion in exclusive group

In 2020, LeBron James was among the exclusive group of players who recorded a 25-point, 15-rebound and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

2020: NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020 season

Nikola Jokić won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020–21 season.

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

On February 6, 2021, Jokić scored a career-high 50 points, with eight rebounds, 12 assists, and three blocks in a 119–114 loss to the Sacramento Kings, setting a franchise record and becoming the first center since Abdul-Jabbar in 1975 to reach that mark.

September 2021: Birth of Daughter Ognjena

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

November 8, 2021: Ejection After Altercation with Markieff Morris

On November 8, 2021, Jokić and Markieff Morris were ejected after an on-court altercation during a game against the Miami Heat, resulting in a one-game suspension for Jokić.

2021: NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2021 season

Nikola Jokić won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2021–22 season.

January 25, 2022: Milestone Game Against the Pistons

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

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

2022: Luka Dončić's Performance

In 2022, Luka Dončić was one of only three players in NBA history to tally 56 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in a game.

2022: NBA Finals MVP

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

January 1, 2023: Triple-Double Against the 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, becoming 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 the 2023 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 season-opening victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.

2023: Hickok Belt Winner

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

2023: NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2023 season

Nikola Jokić won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2023–24 season.

2023: Career Averages

Through the 2023-24 season, Jokić's career averages are 20.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game.

January 4, 2024: Game-Winning Shot Against Warriors

On January 4, 2024, Nikola Jokić scored 34 points, including a buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer in a 130–127 victory over the Warriors.

June 10, 2024: Included 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 3-Pointers

On October 26, 2024, 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 and Natalija Jokić welcomed their second child, a son named Ignjat.

2024: Bronze Medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics

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

January 2, 2025: Jokić's Record Performance

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