Nikola Jokic is considered one of the greatest centers of all time and a living legend of the basketball world. Born on February 19, 1995, in the city, Sombor, which is located in the northern part of Serbia. He grew up in a lower-income family with two older brothers, who introduced him to basketball. After completing his schooling at Dositej Obradovic Primary School, Jokic played basketball for Vojodina Srbijagas and signed a contract with Mega Vizura (later KK Mega Basket) in December 2012.

Meet NBA’s ‘The Joker’, Nikola Jokic: Inside Nuggets Center’s journey from KK Mega Basket to Denver Nuggets

It was during the 2013-2014 season that Nikola Jokic became a prominent player for Mega Vizura’s senior team, averaging 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the Adriatic League. He went on to win the Adriatic League MVP and Top Prospect awards after his breakout 2014-15 season, which drew significant attention from the NBA. In the 2014 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets selected Nikola Jokic as the 41st overall pick in the second round, and the rest is history.

One season after being drafted in the NBA, Nikola Jokic joined the Denver Nuggets in the summer of 2015 and signed a contract with the team after performing well in the five summer league games. At the end of the 2015-16 season, he was included in the NBA All-Rookie First Team and finished third for the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. In the following years, he was inducted into the NBA All-Star Game (7 times), the All-NBA First Team (5 times), and the All-NBA Second Team (2 times).

A look at Nikola Jokic’s biggest achievements: Serbian led the Denver Nuggets to the Championship in 2023 and won the NBA Finals MVP

The three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, Nikola Jokic, won his first NBA title in 2023 and was named NBA Finals MVP for his memorable performances against the Miami Heat. Since then, he has been setting new records and leading the Denver Nuggets to even greater heights. He is often considered as one of the greatest draft seal in NBA history. Jokic is best known for his passing ability as a center, which has earned him the nickname, ‘the Joker’. Apart from being a basketball genius, he is also a loyal and old-school lover. So, without further ado, let’s get inside Nikola Jokic’s wife, Natalija, and their love story.

Who is Nikola Jokic’s wife, Natalija Macesic? Nuggets Center met his ladylove in high school, long-distance relationship, private engagement and wedding

Nikola Jokic is married to a Serbian woman named Natalija Macesic Jokic, who also comes from his birthplace, Sombor, a small city in Serbia with a population of around 47,000. The couple met in high school and started dating after being friends for a while. Their mutual love for sports strengthened their relationship, while Nikola was interested in basketball, Natalija was into volleyball. In 2013, Natalija moved to the US to play volleyball at Oklahoma’s Seminole State College.

Continue reading below

The couple had been in a long-distance relationship for almost two years before Nikola Jokic left Serbia to sign a contract with the Denver Nuggets. The lovebirds started living together, and Nikola’s two brothers joined them in a shared apartment. While Nikola was making waves in the NBA with the Nuggets, Natalija Macesic shifted to Denver to pursue a Master’s degree in psychology at the Metropolitan State University. In 2018, she completed her degree. In January 2020, Nikola popped the question, and she said, “Yes.”

Nikola Jokic and Natalija Macesic got engaged in 2020, and on October 24, 2020, they finally married in an intimate ceremony at their hometown, Sombor, Serbia. In September 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter they named Ognjena (meaning ‘fiery’ in Serbian). The adorable baby girl was promoted to big sister in November 2024, when Natalija gave birth to a baby boy, whose name is yet to be disclosed.

Why Nikola Jokic and Natalija Macesic are one of the NBA’s most admired couples? Nuggets Center and a practicing psychologist who never fails to give couple goals

There are so many married couples in the NBA, but Nikola Jokic and Natalija Macesic hold a special place in everyone’s hearts. Despite being the wife of one of the greatest NBA players of all time, Natalija prefers to live a low-key life. She is a practicing psychologist who never lets constant media attention weigh her down. Natalija continues to distance herself from the spotlight.

Nikola Jokic also never misses an opportunity to shower his wife, Natalija Macesic Jokic, with praise on the global stage. For the uninitiated, Nuggets Center ties his wedding ring to his shoe before the start of every match as a sign to always keep his wife by his side. Well, they’re truly a power couple who make us believe in the forgotten concept of ‘old school love’.