Serbian legends unite: Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Nikola Jokic's greatness

The Denver Nuggets endured a NBA season filled with ups and downs, but they were anchored by the player many consider the best in the world: Nikola Jokic. The Serbian superstar delivered another masterclass campaign, providing not only dominant performances but also acting as a de facto coach on the floor. His brilliance continues to draw admiration—including from fellow Serbian legend Novak Djokovic.

The Nuggets’ official X (formerly Twitter) account recently shared a video featuring Djokovic offering heartfelt congratulations to Jokic. The tennis icon praised his compatriot in both English and Serbian, giving the message a personal and patriotic tone.

“Nikola, congratulations on another historic season,” Djokovic said. “From our beloved homeland, Serbia, all the way to Denver, we are super proud of you in this new record-breaking season. You’ve broken so many records and made history once again—proving everyone wrong who said you couldn’t surpass what you did in the last three or four years. I’m always a big supporter of yours and will continue watching you make more history. So, congratulations and keep it going.”

Jokic indeed completed one of the most remarkable seasons in NBA history, averaging a near triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He shot an efficient 57.6% from the field and an impressive 41.7% from three-point range. He becomes just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double over a full season, joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook.

The Nuggets’ cornerstone was named to the All-NBA First Team for the fifth time in his career, setting a franchise record. It also marks his seventh consecutive All-NBA selection, further solidifying his standing as the greatest player in team history.

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Adding to his legacy, Jokic became the fastest player in league history to reach career totals of 16,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists. He achieved the milestone in March, doing so in just 739 games. The previous mark was held by Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird, who needed 799 games to reach the same thresholds.

Beyond the numbers, Jokic’s value to the Nuggets is immeasurable. Among active players, perhaps only Stephen Curry rivals his importance to a team’s on-court identity. That was evident in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Denver built a +10 lead while Jokic rested—an edge they never managed to recover once he returned.

Jokic’s season has once again redefined what’s possible for a big man in today’s NBA. With continued dominance and the admiration of legends across sports, the Serbian center is building a résumé worthy of historic greatness—and he’s far from done.