Eleven years ago, Nikola Jokić was an unassuming teenager in Sombor, Serbia, more interested in horse racing and Coca-Cola than dreaming of NBA stardom. At the time, he had raw talent and a unique skill set, but he wasn’t the high-flying, athletic prototype that college and pro scouts typically salivated over. Jokić himself doubted whether his slow-paced, finesse-based game could translate to the American college basketball system. Ironically, just over a decade later, he would become one of the most dominant and unconventional superstars the NBA has ever seen.
In 2014, Jokić was drafted 41st overall by the Denver Nuggets — during a Taco Bell commercial, no less — signaling just how little fanfare surrounded his entry into the league. It was a pick met with shrugs more than excitement. At the time, the idea of Jokić thriving in NCAA basketball seemed far-fetched, even to him. College basketball, known for its high-octane pace, defensive pressure, and emphasis on athleticism, didn’t seem built for a 6’11” big man who passed like a point guard and ran the floor with the urgency of someone out for a stroll.
Jokić’s doubts weren’t unfounded. College coaches often prioritize rim protection, rebounding, and physical dominance over vision and basketball IQ in big men. His lack of vertical explosiveness or defensive mobility would have likely placed him low on depth charts, and it’s not hard to imagine him being relegated to the bench in favor of more physically imposing centers. At that time, the American basketball system wasn’t designed to showcase — or even recognize — the brilliance of a player like Jokić.
Instead, Jokić stayed in Europe and continued to develop his game with Mega Basket in the Adriatic League, where he was allowed to experiment, make mistakes, and grow at his own pace. That creative freedom proved vital. Rather than being shoehorned into a role, he became the rare big man who could control every aspect of the offense. His uncanny court vision, soft shooting touch, and unselfish nature blossomed into what would eventually be called “point-center” play.
Fast forward to today, and Jokić is a two-time NBA MVP, NBA champion, and widely regarded as one of the most skilled centers in basketball history. He has turned every perceived weakness into a strength, redefining the position and forcing coaches, scouts, and analysts to rethink what elite basketball looks like. Ironically, the very skills that might have kept him buried on a college bench are now celebrated across the league.
Looking back, Jokić’s belief that his game didn’t fit in college basketball wasn’t wrong — it just didn’t fit then. The sport has since evolved, in part because of players like him. His journey is a testament to trusting your unique game, even when it doesn’t match conventional molds. In hindsight, the system didn’t fit Jokić — but it’s clear now the system needed to change.
