This summer, Nikola Jokic has turned his focus to the Serbian national team as they compete in the FIBA World Cup European qualifiers. Still, there was no way that Jokic’s NBA career wouldn’t be brought up to the three-time MVP in this environment.
After Serbia defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 94-81 on Monday, Jokic was asked about signing an extension with the Denver Nuggets. His response went a long way in alleviating the fears of Nuggets fans that he’d go elsewhere.
“My idea is to sign next summer and stay in Denver for the rest of my career.”
Last year, Jokic had passed on the opportunity to sign an extension with the Nuggets, the only NBA team he’s played for since 2015.
Then, in late June, insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that the Joker wouldn’t be signing an extension this summer, either. Jokic’s latest comments reaffirm his commitment to the team that he led to the NBA title in 2023.
Jokic’s loyalty aside, the Nuggets haven’t been able to recapture the highs of their championship glory three years ago. In 2024 and 2025, they were eliminated in the second round. Just this past season, the Nuggets were shown the door in the first round, courtesy of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Through it all, Jokic has remained in peak form, putting up triple-doubles on the regular and pushing his way to the forefront of the MVP conversation. If he does stay in the Mile High for the foreseeable future, the Nuggets front office will have to restock their roster with more championship pieces.
Nikola Jokic Opens Up on Leadership Role With Serbia: “First Time in My Life That I Am the Captain”
In the meantime, Nikola Jokic has embraced the leadership role entrusted to him on the Serbian national team. This week, Jokic shared his feelings on this role.
“This is the first time in my life that I am the captain of a team and it means a lot to me. I told the team that after the game, I will remember this for the rest of my life, because it means a lot to me and it is a great feeling.”
After improving their record to 4-2 in the July window, Serbia moves to the second round of the European qualifiers. In late August, they’ll be taking on Iceland and Italy.
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