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Nikola Jokić has gained significant fame in the basketball world, drawing attention from the media. However, it’s not just him who’s been in the spotlight – his brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja, have also made headlines. In a recent interview, Jokić discussed his childhood and his brothers’ pivotal role in his basketball development. He admired their unique qualities – talented and strong – and Jokić believes he embodies both.
The Jokić family resided in a small apartment with two rooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Despite the limited space, their home was always bustling with activity. Jokić, his parents, two brothers, and grandmother lived together, often hosting extended family members. The apartment had a mini basketball hoop, and Jokić and his brothers spent countless hours playing and having a blast.
Discover the inspiring journey of Nikola Jokić and the strong bond that shaped his basketball career. Learn how his brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja, influenced his path to success. Explore their humble beginnings in a small apartment, where their love for the game flourished. Join the determination, talent, and family unity story that propelled Jokić to greatness.
The unwavering support of Nikola Jokić, the current NBA Most Valuable Player, by his Serbian brothers Strahinja and Nemanja has captured the attention of basketball fans throughout the United States. The Jokić brothers have gained recognition for their distinctive cheering style, animated gestures, and vocal commentary, particularly when the referees’ calls do not favor Nikola.
However, despite their enthusiastic support, the Jokić brothers have faced negative stereotypes among NBA fans, who perceive them as “awkward guys” due to their Serbian heritage. A previous encounter with the Phoenix Suns team resulted in heated exchanges, further fueling these misconceptions.
The American media has taken notice of the Jokić brothers’ passionate backing of their sibling, including Strahinja’s notable neck tattoo. One media outlet wrote, “The ‘Jokić clan’ is not to be taken lightly. The presence of Jokić’s brother with a neck tattoo speaks volumes.”
Nevertheless, despite the criticism, the Jokić brothers remain dedicated to supporting Nikola and his team. Their unwavering passion and enthusiasm have become a familiar sight for Denver Nuggets fans. Experience the electric energy and fierce loyalty of the Jokić brothers as they rally behind one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is lifted by star player Nikola Jokic’s over brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja, following the Nuggets’ 94-89 NBA Finals clinching victory at Ball Arena in Denver on Monday, June 12, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
For those who may be unaware, Nikola Jokić’s journey to America, the NBA, and the world of basketball was unique thanks to his family. Without his older brother Nemanja’s fascination with the opportunities across the pond and the drive to succeed, we might not have the pleasure of watching the exceptional talent that Nikola possesses today. While Nikola dedicated himself to the game, exhibiting hard work, responsibility, and unwavering focus, Nemanja embraced the American lifestyle to the fullest. Basketball was not his top priority, as he indulged in the excitement of parties, socializing, and the allure of the opposite sex. However, Nemanja acknowledges that his experiences have significantly shaped the person he has become.
Considering Nemanja’s past, it is intriguing how his choices may have influenced his younger brother’s approach to the sport and his unwavering dedication to his craft. Nemanja also shared insights into his basketball journey in the United States. He revealed that his friend and fellow Serbian player, Darko Miličić, invited him to the States, offering a life of luxury in a house in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills. Jokić relished the lifestyle of an NBA player, enjoying extravagant parties and even indulging in yacht trips. Unfortunately, this glamorous existence ended when Miličić was traded to Orlando, forcing Jokić to move into a dormitory and experience the life of a typical college student.
Jokić spent three seasons playing college basketball, primarily coming off the bench for the Detroit Mercy team. During this time, his commitment to the game was less than wholehearted, as he freely admits. Basketball was not his top priority, as he was drawn to the allure of partying, drinking, and dating. Meanwhile, Miličić’s career began to decline, and he was traded multiple times to different teams. Jokić believes that Miličić faced immense internal and external pressure due to his personal expectations and material possessions. Miličić’s NBA career ultimately ended during the 2012-2013 season with the Boston Celtics.
Upon returning from the United States, Nemanja Jokić was astonished to discover that his younger brother Nikola, only 17 years old, had experienced a growth spurt and now surpassed his older siblings in height and physicality. While Nikola had a genuine passion for basketball, he also dabbled in football, water polo, and volleyball. However, he did grapple with one prominent obstacle: his weight. Nikola consumed three liters of Coca-Cola daily and regarded “burek” as a breakfast staple. When he signed his first contract with Mega Leks, he weighed nearly 135 kilograms and struggled to perform a single push-up.
Nevertheless, Nikola possessed an extraordinary basketball talent. He thrived in the high post, demonstrating exceptional ball control, and was renowned for his remarkable assists that seemed unimaginable to others. Nemanja recalls how everyone allowed Nikola to play with complete freedom, never restricting him or dictating what he should or shouldn’t do on the court, simply because they recognized his immense potential.
The brother of NBA star Nikola Jokić, Strahinja, has once again grabbed attention in the American media, but for a more serious incident. In 2019, Strahinja was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman, strangling her, and preventing her from seeking help. This incident has sparked significant interest in the local media due to Strahinja’s close relationship with an NBA player.
This is not the first time Strahinja has made headlines in the American media. In the past, when Nikola’s brothers were unhappy with the behavior of Washington players towards the young Denver star, they verbally altered with Bobby Portis and Jordan McRae, players from the Wizards. The Jokić brothers confronted them as they entered the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms and reportedly exchanged insults. It’s worth noting that Portis had a previous altercation with Nikola Mirotic, his former teammate.
Strahinja has also gained attention for insulting referee Tony Brothers during a match. However, the media has focused on more than just his controversial actions. Strahinja has been depicted as a potential “villain” from the ‘Die Hard film series, highlighting his training as a bodyguard and proficiency in various martial arts. He regularly attends MMA training sessions at a local gym, where the owner stated in February 2017 that the Jokić brothers train at least five times a week. “They’re not the guys you’d want to mess with,” joked Nicole’s former Denver teammate, Italian Danilo Gallinari. Nikola has expressed gratitude for having his brother by his side, emphasizing their efforts to spend as much time together as possible.
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