Jokic: “I wish every NBA player could go and play six months in Europe, just to see how much pressure there is. You play Wednesday against Olympiacos in Greece, and then you’re playing against Red Star or Partizan. If you lose 3 games in a row, it’s a big deal over there. People take it seriously”
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic believes NBA players would benefit from trying European basketball.
During the Nuggets’ media day, Jokic was asked how competing with the Serbian national team and in high-pressure international games has helped him grow.
“Definitely. In Europe and with the national team, the most important thing is to win the game,” Jokic said.
“I know it sounds stupid, but in the NBA, you can see that certain players need to get their shots, their points, or whatever stats. With the national team and in Europe, the most important thing is to win.”
The three-time NBA MVP then said he would like every NBA player to experience European basketball for an extended period.
“I wish every NBA player could go and play six months in Europe, just to see how much pressure there is.”
Jokic used some of the EuroLeague teams to explain just how seriously results are taken.
“You play Wednesday against Olympiacos in Greece, and then you’re playing at home against Red Star or Partizan. If you lose three games in a row, it’s a big deal over there. People take it seriously. There’s a lot of pride.”
“So, I really wish NBA players could play six months in Europe.”
Jokic knows European basketball well after developing with Mega Basket in Serbia before moving to the NBA in 2015.
He has also remained a central figure for the Serbian national team throughout his NBA career, helping lead his country to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.