When it comes to basketball leadership, few players embody the spirit of team culture quite like Nikola Jokić. The three-time NBA MVP and reigning NBA champion has built his legacy not only on his otherworldly skillset but also on his ability to bring out the best in those around him. That leadership was on full display during a recent FIBA EuroBasket 2025 game, where Jokić gave 19-year-old Serbian guard Nikola Topić a valuable lesson about teamwork and respect.

The Incident: Topić Ignores Teammates, Jokić Steps In

During Serbia’s EuroBasket matchup, Topić was subbed out of the game and walked straight to the bench without acknowledging his teammates. No handshakes, no high-fives, no interaction—a simple action, but one that went against the unspoken code of camaraderie in team sports.

Nikola Jokić, watching closely, wasn’t about to let it slide. Known for his calm demeanor and soft-spoken personality, Jokić surprised many by taking immediate action. He motioned for Topić to get back up, walk down the bench, and properly acknowledge his teammates.

To his credit, Topić complied, rising from his seat and giving each teammate a high-five. It was a short moment, lasting only a few seconds, but its message carried far beyond the sidelines: respect your teammates, no matter what.

A Subtle but Powerful Leadership Gesture

Moments like these are what separate great players from true leaders. Jokić didn’t need to yell, embarrass, or punish his young teammate. Instead, with a simple gesture, he reminded him—and the entire Serbian squad—that success in basketball is about more than talent. It’s about chemistry, respect, and shared responsibility.

Jokić has often been described as “quiet” or “stoic,” but this incident highlighted another side of him. He is deeply invested in the culture of his teams, whether it’s the Denver Nuggets or the Serbian National Team. By holding Topić accountable, he reinforced a standard that has helped him lead teams to championships: nobody is above the group, and everyone must contribute to maintaining unity.

Jokić’s Career and Leadership Legacy

At 30 years old, Nikola Jokić is in the prime of his career. A 10-year NBA veteran with the Denver Nuggets, he has redefined what it means to be a center in modern basketball. Averaging nearly a triple-double across multiple seasons with career numbers around 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, Jokić is a statistical marvel.

But his true greatness lies in the way he makes his teammates better. He has led Denver to multiple deep playoff runs, culminating in an NBA Championship, and he continues to serve as the Nuggets’ cultural foundation. His selfless play, high basketball IQ, and humility have made him a beloved figure not just in Denver, but worldwide.

This summer, Jokić extended his leadership to the international stage, suiting up for Team Serbia at EuroBasket. His presence has given the team not just world-class talent but also the steady guidance of a proven leader.

Who Is Nikola Topić?

For Nikola Topić, this was a moment of growth. The 20-year-old Serbian guard is one of the brightest young prospects in European basketball. Drafted in 2024 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Topić has yet to play in the NBA due to a torn left ACL suffered shortly after his draft selection.

Despite his injury setback, Topić gained valuable experience by being part of the Thunder’s championship-winning roster in 2024, even if he didn’t step on the court. Now fully recovered, he’s showcasing his skills with the Serbian National Team, eager to prove himself on the international stage.

However, talent alone isn’t enough to succeed at the highest levels. Professionalism, respect, and accountability are just as important—and Jokić’s lesson served as a timely reminder of those values.

More Than Just Stats: Jokić as a Cultural Anchor

Basketball culture often celebrates the highlight plays—the dunks, the buzzer-beaters, the triple-doubles. But the true essence of leadership is often invisible to fans. High-fiving teammates may not show up in the box score, but it fosters unity, trust, and motivation.

For Jokić, such habits are non-negotiable. He has built his career on creating an environment where everyone feels valued, from superstars to role players. His insistence that Topić recognize his teammates reflects the same ethos that has guided the Nuggets to sustained success.

This moment also reveals why Jokić is respected globally, even beyond his accomplishments. He represents a model of leadership that is not about dominance or ego but about raising collective standards.

Comparing Leadership Styles

Not every superstar takes on this kind of role. Some prefer to lead through performance alone, letting their play do the talking. Others take a more vocal, fiery approach. Jokić, however, uses a quiet but commanding style, rooted in consistency and respect.

This incident with Topić demonstrates that even small gestures carry significant weight when they come from someone of Jokić’s stature. For a young player still finding his way, the lesson could shape his approach to the game for years to come.

The Bigger Picture for Serbia and EuroBasket

For Team Serbia, these are the kinds of moments that can make the difference between winning and losing in a high-stakes tournament like EuroBasket. Talent will always be a factor, but chemistry and unity are what often separate gold medalists from the rest.

By reinforcing such values, Jokić is not just helping a teammate but also strengthening the team’s collective identity. Serbia has a rich basketball tradition, and moments like this ensure that its next generation carries forward the culture of discipline, respect, and unity.

Conclusion

The moment when Nikola Jokić stopped Nikola Topić and made him high-five his teammates may have seemed small, but it symbolized something much larger. It was about teaching respect, building unity, and maintaining the standards of professionalism that define great teams.

For Jokić, it was just another example of why he is more than a statistical phenomenon—he is a true leader. For Topić, it was an invaluable lesson from one of the best players in the world, a reminder that no matter how talented you are, the game is always about the team.

Moments like these never make highlight reels, but they are the foundation of championships. Jokić knows it, Serbia knows it, and now, Nikola Topić knows it too.