Nikola Jokic, the quiet but dominant force behind the Denver Nuggets’ rise to the top of the NBA, has taken his talents east — not to the court, but to China, where his first official visit with his Chinese shoe sponsor, 361 Degrees, has triggered a fan frenzy across the country.

While Jokic is known for his reluctance to embrace the spotlight, the love he’s receiving overseas proves one thing: his impact is global, and his legend is still growing.

Let’s dive into why Nikola Jokic’s five-day China tour is already a viral sensation — and what it means for the NBA, the Nuggets, and his legacy.

From 41st Pick to Global Icon

It’s almost surreal to think that Nikola Jokic, now a three-time NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP, was once picked 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Back then, there was no grand announcement — just a TV commercial playing when his name flashed across the ticker.

Now, nearly a decade later, Jokic is one of the most dominant and respected players in the world. His vision, efficiency, and basketball IQ are legendary. And while he rarely seeks out media attention, that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a fan favorite across the globe.

This recent trip to China is solid proof.

Jokic Arrives in China: Pandemonium at the Airport

As part of a promotional tour organized by 361 Degrees, Jokic landed at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to kick off his five-day visit. Fans and media were already waiting — some reportedly camping out for hours — to catch a glimpse of the Nuggets superstar.

Video clips and images from Jokic’s arrival quickly flooded Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and global outlets like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Hashtags like #JokicInChina and #NikolaJokicTour began trending within hours.

“Nikola Jokić arrived at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, beginning his five-day tour in China,” a post from Discover Shanxi read.
Thousands of fans greeted him, many wearing his Nuggets jersey or 361-branded gear.

Why China Loves Jokic

So why does a Serbian basketball genius resonate so deeply with Chinese fans?

Fundamental Excellence: Jokic’s style of play is cerebral, technical, and beautiful to watch. Chinese basketball fans, who have long admired players like Yao Ming and Tim Duncan, appreciate Jokic’s court vision, passing ability, and basketball purity.

Humble Demeanor: Jokic doesn’t flex. He doesn’t trash talk. He rides horses in the offseason and says he’d rather be with his family than at an award show. That humility has become part of his myth.

Global Accessibility: His MVP status and NBA Finals heroics have made his games accessible across the world, particularly in Asia where the NBA enjoys one of its largest audiences.

Jokic and 361 Degrees: A Perfect Match?

Unlike many NBA stars who sign with Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour, Jokic opted to partner with 361 Degrees, a popular Chinese sportswear brand. The deal was announced in 2023 and surprised many, but for Jokic, it made perfect sense.

His decision reflects his non-mainstream mentality — and the partnership has proven fruitful for both parties.

During this tour, Jokic is set to:

Launch a new signature sneaker model with 361°

Conduct basketball clinics for young athletes

Appear in fan meet-and-greets and charity events

Visit factories and design centers to interact with the people behind the brand

And fans? They’re eating it up.

Highlights from Jokic’s China Tour So Far

📍 Day 1: Guangzhou
Jokic was greeted by hundreds of fans waving Serbian flags and Nuggets banners. He signed autographs, posed for photos, and humbly bowed in response to chants of “MVP! MVP!”

📍 Day 2: Shenzhen
He visited a youth basketball camp, where he coached kids and shared his philosophy:

“Basketball is not about flash. It’s about making your teammates better.”

📍 Upcoming: Beijing and Xi’an
He’s expected to host media sessions, reveal a limited-edition Jokic 361° sneaker, and participate in a cultural tour, including a visit to the Great Wall.

Fans are already planning to travel across cities just to see him.

Social Media Reaction: Jokic Fever Takes Over

🎥 Viral clips include:

Jokic calmly petting a fan’s puppy at the airport

His stunned reaction when gifted a custom Chinese calligraphy scroll with his name

Jokic laughing with local kids while attempting to learn Mandarin basketball terms

One viral post on X read:

“Jokic isn’t even trying to go viral, and here we are. This is how you know it’s real.”

Another popular comment:

“He plays like a master chess player. China loves that. Jokic is the ultimate cerebral baller.”

The NBA’s Growing Global Reach

Jokic’s viral success in China isn’t just a personal win — it’s another testament to the NBA’s ever-growing international footprint.

The NBA has long enjoyed popularity in Asia, but the current generation of international superstars — from Giannis Antetokounmpo to Luka Dončić to Nikola Jokic — has brought a new wave of global identity to the league.

Expect the NBA to continue riding this wave, especially as the 2026 NBA Global Games look likely to feature more exhibitions in China — possibly with Jokic headlining.

Final Thoughts: The Quiet Global King

Nikola Jokic may not chase the spotlight, but it seems the spotlight has finally found him — whether he wants it or not.

His China tour has gone viral, not because of some media blitz, but because fans truly admire who he is, both on and off the court. He’s the people’s MVP, the basketball brainiac, and now, the unlikely international sensation.

As his tour continues, one thing is clear: Jokic’s story, which began with a second-round draft pick during a Taco Bell commercial, is now one of the most global in NBA history.

And if China’s reception is any sign — Nikola Jokic’s legend has only just begun.