Nikola Jokić has already cemented his name in basketball history with a résumé that very few players can rival. With a 2023 NBA Championship, three NBA Most Valuable Player awards, and countless breathtaking moments on the court, the Serbian big man has long established himself as one of the greatest players of his generation. Yet, despite his monumental success on the NBA stage, EuroBasket glory has so far eluded him. As the 2025 edition of the tournament draws closer, however, anticipation grows not only among fans but also among fellow players—many of whom have gone on record to heap praise on the Denver Nuggets star.

Jokić’s Legacy and EuroBasket Ambitions

While Jokić has conquered the NBA with dominance and style, international basketball provides a different challenge. Representing Serbia at FIBA EuroBasket is not just another competition for him—it’s a chance to bring his nation back to the top of European basketball. Serbia has always been a powerhouse in the sport, producing legends like Vlade Divac, Peja Stojaković, and more recently Bogdan Bogdanović. But for all the country’s rich basketball history, the idea of pairing Jokić’s peak form with Serbia’s depth has fans buzzing with hope.

Yet, Jokić’s relationship with international play has been a complex one. Balancing the demands of the NBA with the physical and emotional toll of summer tournaments has sometimes limited his availability. When he does suit up for Serbia, however, his impact is immediate. His ability to control the tempo, create opportunities, and elevate teammates makes Serbia one of the most dangerous teams in any tournament. This is why so many rival stars openly admit they dread facing him on the international stage.

Bogdan Bogdanović on Jokić: “The Highest Confidence I’ve Ever Seen”

Perhaps no one understands Jokić’s dual identity—NBA rival and national teammate—better than Bogdan Bogdanović. As a guard for the Atlanta Hawks, Bogdanović has gone head-to-head with Jokić countless times in the NBA. But when they unite under the Serbian flag, the dynamic changes completely. Bogdanović has witnessed firsthand the intangible qualities that make Jokić special.

“Everybody knows about his IQ and feel for the game, but what really makes him special is his basketball shape for his size—his ability to run and his conditioning,” Bogdanović explained. “He brings probably the highest confidence that I’ve ever had playing with anyone else.”

Confidence is contagious, and Jokić radiates it. For teammates, it isn’t just about watching him dominate—it’s about believing the team can win under any circumstance. That mindset, Bogdanović suggests, is just as important as Jokić’s skills. In high-stakes international games, where pressure is immense and margins are thin, such unshakable belief can often make the difference.

Aleksa Avramović: “He Makes Life Easier for Others”

Another Serbian star, Aleksa Avramović, also highlighted the ease Jokić brings to every possession. Known for his grit and defense, Avramović has benefitted from Jokić’s playmaking brilliance on numerous occasions.

“His basketball IQ on and off the court is absolutely unbelievable,” Avramović said. “He has all the information about basketball in his mind. He thinks really quick and makes decisions really quick and literally he doesn’t have a bad decision. That’s why he is the best.”

Avramović further emphasized how Jokić raises the level of everyone around him. “With him on the court our chances are bigger. He’s someone who makes life easier for others on the court. He makes my life easier.”

This sentiment is shared by countless players who have had the chance to play alongside Jokić. His ability to process the game at lightning speed, often two or three steps ahead of everyone else, ensures that teammates are put in the best positions to succeed. Whether it’s a perfectly timed pass, a well-set screen, or simply drawing defensive attention, Jokić constantly manipulates the game in Serbia’s favor.

Why Opponents Fear Facing Jokić

While teammates celebrate his presence, opponents fear it. Many international stars openly admit that when Serbia has Jokić on the floor, the challenge becomes exponentially harder. His rare combination of size, vision, and efficiency forces opposing defenses into impossible choices. Double him, and he’ll find the open man. Stay home, and he’ll score with ease inside or stretch the floor with his improved outside shooting.

Comparisons have even stretched beyond the norm. Recently, Spanish forward Santi Aldama likened Jokić to a hybrid of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić—two of the game’s most dominant forces. Such statements underscore how Jokić’s game transcends typical categorizations. He’s not just a center, not just a playmaker—he’s a point center, redefining what it means to dominate from the frontcourt.

The Importance of Jokić’s Values Beyond the Game

What makes Jokić truly unique, however, goes beyond his stat lines. His humility, respect for the game, and emphasis on teamwork embody the very spirit of international basketball. Unlike in the NBA, where individual accolades often headline, EuroBasket is about unity, identity, and representing one’s country. Jokić, despite his superstar status, seamlessly integrates into that ethos.

This balance between superstar and teammate is what has Serbian fans so excited. For a country that prides itself on basketball intelligence and collective play, Jokić is the perfect embodiment of their philosophy. He not only brings skill but also values—sacrifice, respect, and togetherness—that resonate deeply with his homeland.

What EuroBasket 2025 Could Mean for Jokić’s Legacy

For all his achievements, EuroBasket success remains a missing jewel in Jokić’s crown. While he is already a lock for the Hall of Fame and widely considered one of the best centers ever, international titles carry unique weight, especially in Europe. Legends like Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tony Parker are remembered not just for their NBA triumphs but also for their EuroBasket heroics.

Should Jokić lead Serbia to glory, it would further elevate his status—not just as one of the greatest NBA players, but as a complete basketball legend respected across all levels of the game. It would also solidify his bond with Serbian fans, who dream of seeing their team rise to the top once more.

Final Thoughts: Jokić as the Complete Leader

As EuroBasket approaches, the excitement surrounding Nikola Jokić continues to grow. From the way Bogdanović admires his conditioning and confidence, to Avramović praising his unmatched IQ and playmaking, the consensus is clear: Jokić is not just another star, but a generational talent who elevates everyone around him. Rivals may hope he has an off-night, but teammates know that when Jokić is locked in, Serbia is nearly unstoppable.

His journey from a second-round pick in the NBA Draft to a three-time MVP and now the centerpiece of Serbia’s national team is already legendary. But in the chapters yet to be written, EuroBasket triumph could provide the crowning moment. Whether or not Serbia lifts the trophy, one truth is undeniable—Nikola Jokić makes basketball easier, smarter, and more beautiful for everyone who shares the court with him.