Nikola Jokic clocks out for the summer and where he goes might surprise you
(Image Source - Getty Images)
Most NBA stars follow up a historic season with a grind-heavy summer. Not Nikola Jokic. While Denver deals with front-office drama, he's back home in Serbia, rafting, racing horses, and trying out sports most fans can't pronounce.
It's unconventional. It's off-the-grid. And it just might be the reason he stays one step ahead of the league.
From rafting to racing Nikola Jokic finds balance in childhood passions far from NBA demands
This offseason isn't your average basketball narrative. Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets' center and three-time MVP, wrapped up the 2024 – 25 season with an astonishing 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game — securing his place in history as the first center to average a triple-double in a season.
But instead of embracing the fame, he opted to retreat.
He made a beeline for Serbia, where he was seen without a shirt, rafting the Tara River as fans shouted "MVP"—a surreal summer experience that felt like a blend of holiday and myth. No training videos, no gym selfies—just Jokic gliding through the rapids with a beer in hand, relishing the peace and spontaneity.
Off the court, Jokic dives into the joys of his childhood.
He's an avid horse lover, especially when it comes to harness racing, a passion he's had since he was young. This summer, he'll be hanging out at local stables and racetracks, watching family horses or even casually racing himself.
In a move that caught fans off guard worldwide, Jokic took a stab at Sepak Takraw — a sport that combines soccer and volleyball. At seven feet tall, he showcased some unexpected agility that got people applauding his coordination.
No step-back threes or power fades here — just a genuine sense of athletic curiosity under the Serbian sky.
Back in Denver, the Nuggets are going through a bit of uncertainty—firing GM Calvin Booth and making roster choices that center on Jokic's future. Still, Jokic stays calm, looking almost detached from the NBA's commotion. His sole mission? To reset, refresh, and reconnect—with himself, his family, and the hometown that shaped him.
It's not just a chill escape. With the 2024–25 season in the past and the Paris 2024 Olympics coming up, this break is preparing his mind as well as his body. If this summer shows anything, Jokic isn't just recharging—he's getting into the right headspace to dominate once more.
Nikola Jokic's summer habits—rafting, riding horses, engaging in unusual sports, and avoiding the court come off as a conscious act of defiance: pushing back against expectations and the constant scrutiny.
Also Read:
What Vanessa Bryant chose to wear on father's day speaks louder than words
He's had an incredibly impressive season in NBA history, yet he chooses to paddle a river instead of recording highlights. In this way, he's illustrating that sometimes the most outstanding performance is found in stepping away from the limelight completely.
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