Quick Read
- Nikola Jokic dismissed early retirement rumors during the NBA All-Star break, stating he will play as long as he performs at a high level.
- Jokic, who turned 31 on February 19, is averaging a triple-double this season (28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists).
- He recently passed Oscar Robertson for 2nd all-time in career triple-doubles with 182.
- Jokic is on pace to become the first center to average a triple-double in three different seasons.
- Teammate Jamal Murray expects Jokic to continue his dominant career for many more years.
DENVER (Azat TV) – Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has firmly addressed and dismissed widespread speculation regarding his potential early retirement from the NBA, stating he intends to continue playing as long as he can maintain an elite level of performance. The eight-time NBA All-Star and two-time MVP (2020-21, 2021-22), who recently celebrated his 31st birthday, made his intentions clear during the All-Star break, refuting notions that his laid-back demeanor signals a lack of passion for professional basketball.
“To be honest, I’m going to play basketball until I can’t play it at a high level,” Jokic told ESPN. “I enjoy it and love to play.” He openly challenged the idea that his enthusiasm is diminished by his interest in other pursuits, like horse racing, asserting, “I care a lot… I think if you don’t care for winning, you’re not supposed to be in this sport. It’s just my personality, maybe I’m a little bit different… I love to play basketball.”
Nikola Jokic’s Dominant Performance Continues
Despite the persistent rumors, Nikola Jokic shows no signs of slowing down. He is currently averaging a remarkable triple-double this season, with 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. This exceptional performance earned him his eighth consecutive All-Star selection, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s most dominant players.
Just days before his 31st birthday on February 19, Jokic continued to etch his name in the NBA record books. On February 9, he recorded 22 points, 17 assists, and 14 rebounds, surpassing legendary Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA’s all-time list for regular-season triple-doubles with his 182nd career triple-double. He now trails only Russell Westbrook, who holds 207. Jokic, Westbrook, and Robertson are the only players in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire season, with Jokic poised to become the first center ever to achieve this feat in three different seasons.
Teammates Expect More from the Two-Time MVP
Jokic’s teammates are equally confident in his longevity and continued excellence. Jamal Murray, a key player for the Nuggets, expressed high expectations for his star center. “He’s got a lot of that left,” Murray stated. “It’s going to be a Usain Bolt record when he sets it. He’s going to have that for a long time.”
Jokic’s consistent brilliance, which includes seven All-NBA Team selections, an NBA championship ring, and an NBA Finals MVP award, has arguably made fans accustomed to his record-breaking achievements. His ability to effortlessly stuff the stat sheet night after night has become a standard expectation, yet his recent statements underscore a deep-seated competitive drive that continues to fuel his historic career.
Nikola Jokic’s unequivocal commitment to playing at a high level, coupled with his ongoing record-setting season, effectively dispels any notion of an imminent departure from the game, reinforcing his unparalleled impact on the NBA as he continues to redefine the center position.