In the world of basketball superstars, most legends are defined by their relentless pursuit of greatness, their obsession with breaking records, and their hunger for the spotlight. Yet, Nikola Jokic, the Serbian giant and centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets, continues to rewrite the narrative of what it means to be an NBA superstar. With his laid-back approach, refusal to embrace social media fame, and prioritization of family and hobbies over the glitz of the league, Jokic has carved out a unique place in basketball history. And according to Dennis Schroder, one of the fiercest competitors in international and NBA basketball, that approach only makes his dominance more remarkable.

Dennis Schroder’s Admiration for Jokic

Schroder, who has shared the floor with Jokic both in the NBA and FIBA competitions, recently opened up about his admiration for the Nuggets’ center. Speaking to Magenta Sport, Schroder revealed what makes Jokic such a rare phenomenon.

“He says he doesn’t want to be remembered in the books for basketball, but for how good he is as a father. But as a player, he’s the best in the world. Well, it’s just like that based on the stats and what he’s been doing in the league for the past three, four, five years, how he dominates,” Schroder explained.

For Schroder, who has faced some of the toughest players in the NBA, Jokic’s combination of skill, vision, and calmness on the court stands out. What amazes him most is how Jokic manages to dominate despite not treating basketball as the central focus of his life.

A Record-Breaking Resume

It’s hard to argue against Schroder’s claim when looking at Jokic’s resume. Over the last five years, Jokic has built one of the most impressive individual careers in league history. He has captured three MVP awards, finished second twice, and even added a Finals MVP while delivering the Denver Nuggets their first-ever NBA championship.

Statistically, Jokic is in uncharted territory. With a career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 28.51, he leads all players in NBA history, ahead of icons like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Even more astonishing, his 32.85 PER in a single season broke Wilt Chamberlain’s 40-year record, solidifying Jokic as arguably the most efficient player to ever step on the court.

In terms of milestones, Jokic keeps producing moments for the history books. He became the first player to post a 30–20–20 stat line in a game, dropped a 61-point triple-double against the Timberwolves, and joined the elite company of Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as one of the only players to average a triple-double over an entire season.

The Mindset That Sets Him Apart

What makes Jokic truly unique is not just his production but his mentality. Unlike many NBA stars, Jokic refuses to be consumed by the fame and pressure of the league. He does not have social media, avoids the spotlight, and treats basketball as a job rather than a defining identity.

Adrian Wojnarowski, while reflecting on Jokic’s impact, emphasized this unshakable authenticity:

“Jokic is going to be who he is. He’s not changing for anybody. If Jokic having an Instagram account meant somebody had a few more dollars… so what? He has played the game in a way that dominated in a way very few players have dominated. He plays at his own speed, he controls the game, you can’t speed him up.”

This ability to play at his pace is what frustrates defenders the most. Jokic doesn’t rely on athletic explosiveness but instead uses his basketball IQ, vision, and unmatched passing skills to dismantle opponents.

Schroder’s Perspective as a Competitor

For someone like Schroder, who thrives on quickness, intensity, and energy, facing Jokic feels like stepping into a chess match against a grandmaster. Every move is calculated, every pass has purpose, and every possession feels like Jokic already knows the outcome before it unfolds.

Schroder’s comment that Jokic doesn’t even consider basketball his top priority only amplifies the admiration. To Schroder, Jokic’s greatness isn’t about how much time he spends obsessing over the game—it’s about his natural mastery of it. That level of dominance, achieved while maintaining a balanced personal life, is what makes him unlike any other superstar Schroder has faced.

Breaking the NBA Mold

The modern NBA thrives on marketable stars who embrace the limelight—social media kings, fashion icons, and global influencers. Jokic doesn’t fit that mold, yet he has forced the league to acknowledge his greatness.

From refusing to engage in flashy antics to celebrating horse races in Serbia with more passion than an NBA title, Jokic has shown that the traditional path to stardom isn’t the only one. As Wojnarowski noted, many stars often struggle to define their identity, but Jokic has never had that problem. He knows exactly who he is: a family man first, basketball player second.

The Face of the NBA?

As LeBron James slowly transitions out of the league’s spotlight, the NBA is searching for its next global face. While stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Stephen Curry all draw attention, Jokic’s name is at the forefront of that conversation. He represents not just dominance on the court but also authenticity off of it.

His ability to lead his team to victory while staying true to himself resonates deeply with fans who appreciate substance over style. For Schroder and many others, Jokic already embodies what it means to be the best in the world.

Conclusion

Dennis Schroder’s admiration for Nikola Jokic captures a truth that the basketball world has slowly come to accept: greatness doesn’t always look like highlight reels, self-promotion, or endless bravado. Sometimes, it looks like a humble Serbian who prioritizes his family, enjoys horse racing, and just so happens to be the most dominant player in the NBA.

Jokic’s ability to dominate without making basketball his life’s obsession is exactly what makes him one of the most extraordinary superstars the game has ever seen. And as Schroder declared, whether Jokic wants to embrace the spotlight or not, he is the best in the world—and the numbers, accolades, and sheer dominance prove it.