Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić believes that a stint in European basketball could fundamentally benefit NBA players by introducing them to an intense, win-at-all-costs environment that differs sharply from North American league priorities.
Nikola Jokić Proposes Six Months in Europe for NBA Players
During a team media day availability, the three-time NBA Most Valuable Player addressed how his developmental years with the Serbian national team and high-pressure international competitions shaped his professional mindset. Jokić stated that the primary objective overseas remains singularly focused on securing victories rather than chasing individual milestones.
“In Europe and the national team, the most important thing is to win the game,” Jokić said. “I know it sounds stupid, but in the NBA, you can see some players need to make their shots, score their points, or get some other statistics. In the national team and Europe, the most important thing is to win.”
The star center went further, suggesting that every NBA player would benefit from experiencing the distinct culture of European leagues firsthand. “I would like every player to go and play in Europe for six months, just to understand how much pressure there is,” Jokić said.
The Pressure of European Club Basketball and the EuroLeague
To illustrate the high-stakes atmosphere, Jokić referenced the relentless schedule and unforgiving expectations found within the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. He pointed to demanding weekly stretches featuring powerhouse clubs across Greece and Serbia.
“You play Wednesday in Greece against Olympiacos, and then you play at home against Crvena Zvezda or Partizan,” Jokić noted. “If you lose three games in a row, it is serious. People take it very seriously.”
Jokić maintains deep familiarity with European basketball. The 7-foot-1 Serbian star began his professional career with Mega Basket in Belgrade before making the jump to the NBA in 2015.
International Success With the Serbian National Team
Jokić’s international career includes significant hardware representing his home country on the global stage. Most recently, he anchored the Serbian squad to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. That performance followed an earlier silver medal finish at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
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