Nikola Jokic has been the cornerstone of the Denver Nuggets’ recent success. The Serbian big man had a stellar season, significantly contributing to the Nuggets’ dramatic Game 7 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In preparation for the next season, the Nuggets have made strategic moves to support Jokic’s championship ambitions. They’ve signed Russell Westbrook to boost their bench and brought in promising rookies, despite some criticism of these decisions.
Jokic is currently focused on leading Serbia to gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are evaluating potential roster enhancements. Although Team USA is widely viewed as the favorite for Olympic gold, their recent struggles against South Sudan have cast doubt on their dominance.
Jokic has also been named the best basketball player in the NBA, standing out among the talent headed to Paris. Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation ranked Jokic as the top player in his list of the top 50 catchers competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics. O’Donnell praised Jokic’s multifaceted skills:
“Jokic is a basketball genius. He excels as a rebounder, passer, and post-scorer, consistently creating quality shots for his team. Serbia won a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup without him, and now, with the world’s best player, they are poised for another strong medal run.”
Jokic’s 2024–25 season statistics underline his dominance: he averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists in 79 starts. His performance makes a strong case for Serbia’s chances in the Olympics, although success will also depend on the support from his teammates.
Whether Jokic can lead Serbia to Olympic glory remains to be seen, but his exceptional talent and leadership make him a formidable presence on the court.
