Nikola Jokic may be the face of the Denver Nuggets and one of the most celebrated players in modern NBA history, but behind his MVP-caliber performances stands a pair of towering figures who have shaped him both on and off the court—his older brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja Jokic. Fiercely loyal, physically imposing, and deeply protective, the Jokic brothers have been a constant presence in Nikola’s journey from the streets of Sombor, Serbia, to the bright lights of the NBA.

While fans often see them courtside during games or in the occasional viral clip, much of their story remains hidden from the public eye. Beyond the cheering and intense stares from the stands lies a tale of family devotion, sacrifice, and a bond that has helped mold one of basketball’s greatest modern stars.

Here are five key things you might not know about the Jokic brothers—and how their influence continues to shape Nikola’s life and career.

1. They Both Played Basketball Before Nikola’s Rise

Before Nikola Jokic became an NBA superstar, his older brothers were no strangers to the sport.

Strahinja Jokic, the eldest, spent years playing professional basketball in Europe, particularly in Serbia. Although his career didn’t reach the elite levels of EuroLeague or the NBA, he gained invaluable experience in the sport’s culture, discipline, and work ethic. His approach to training and competition would later serve as a blueprint for his youngest brother.

Nemanja Jokic took a slightly different path. He moved to the United States to play college basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he competed from 2006 to 2009. That experience gave him firsthand insight into the American basketball system, helping prepare Nikola for his eventual leap to the NBA.

Both brothers knew the physical and mental demands of professional sports. They weren’t just family members cheering from the sidelines—they were mentors who understood the sacrifices required for greatness. In Nikola’s teenage years, they set high expectations, emphasizing hard work, resilience, and accountability—qualities that remain central to his game today.

2. They Moved to Denver with Nikola

When the Denver Nuggets selected Nikola Jokic with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, few could have predicted the heights he would reach. But from day one, his brothers believed in his potential—and they weren’t going to let him face the challenge alone.

Both Strahinja and Nemanja packed their lives in Serbia and relocated to Denver alongside Nikola. This wasn’t a short visit or a season-long stay—they’ve been by his side ever since, providing constant support in his new home country.

The move was more than just a show of family unity. Transitioning from Serbia to the United States at just 19 years old could have been overwhelming for Nikola. Having his brothers there gave him a sense of stability, security, and familiarity in a foreign land. They helped with everything from daily life logistics to mental and emotional encouragement during the toughest stretches of his early NBA career.

As Nikola has admitted in interviews, his brothers weren’t simply roommates—they were protectors, motivators, and role models. Their presence ensured that, no matter the challenges on the court, he always had a strong support system at home.

3. They Value Privacy Despite Viral Moments

It’s easy to assume that the Jokic brothers enjoy the limelight given their occasional viral appearances—whether it’s a celebratory courtside reaction or a tense standoff during an on-court altercation. But in reality, they are extremely private individuals.

They rarely give interviews, maintain little to no presence on social media, and avoid public exposure whenever possible. Most of what fans know about them comes from short glimpses during games or rare mentions by Nikola himself. Even in Serbia, where the Jokic name carries national pride, Strahinja and Nemanja have avoided becoming public figures.

This privacy contrasts sharply with their game-day demeanor. Courtside, they are passionate and expressive, often standing out with their intense focus on every play. But once the final buzzer sounds, they retreat from public view, preferring to live quietly away from the cameras.

4. Nemanja’s Amateur MMA Background

While Strahinja’s imposing figure has earned him a fearsome reputation among fans, it’s Nemanja Jokic who has real combat sports experience.

In 2019, Nemanja competed in amateur Muay Thai matches, earning victories in all of his fights—including a memorable leg-kick knockout. While there’s limited public information about his participation in other bouts, his skills have been acknowledged by none other than Shaquille O’Neal.

Nemanja’s fighting background gained particular attention during the aftermath of Nikola’s on-court altercation with Markieff Morris in 2021. When Morris appeared on Shaq’s podcast, he joked about a hypothetical fight with the Jokic brothers. Shaq quickly reminded him that one of them had MMA training—a detail that made the Morris twins pause before suggesting it would only be fair if it were limited to boxing.

Though likely never to happen, the idea of the Jokic brothers in a sanctioned fight has become something of an NBA fan myth.

5. Strahinja’s Controversial Legal Past

Not all aspects of the Jokic brothers’ story are uplifting. In 2019, Strahinja Jokic was arrested in Denver on charges related to assault, accused of choking and holding a woman against her will. The case drew media attention and eventually concluded with Strahinja pleading guilty to a lesser charge, resulting in probation.

The incident was a rare public scandal for the otherwise private family. Neither Nikola nor the Denver Nuggets commented on the matter, and the story quickly faded from national headlines. Since then, Strahinja has avoided further legal issues and maintained an even lower profile off the court.

This chapter serves as a reminder that the Jokic brothers’ story, like many, is complicated—filled with moments of loyalty and love, but also with human flaws and challenges.

More Than Just Brothers

To understand Nikola Jokic is to understand the environment that shaped him. Strahinja and Nemanja have been more than siblings—they have been mentors, guardians, and unwavering pillars of support. From their basketball backgrounds to their willingness to uproot their lives for Nikola’s career, their influence is deeply woven into his journey.

In a league where individual talent often takes the spotlight, the story of the Jokic brothers reminds us that behind every great player is a network of people who help carry the weight. For Nikola, that network starts and ends with family.

Whether cheering courtside, offering tough love in private, or simply sharing quiet moments at home, Strahinja and Nemanja Jokic continue to play a crucial role in one of basketball’s greatest modern success stories. And while they may never seek the attention that comes with their brother’s fame, their presence in his life is as constant as the Serbian flag flying in Nikola’s heart.