Every summer, just before the grueling offseason training ramps up and the spotlight returns for another long NBA season, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić takes a break from the hardwood and returns to his roots — the riverbanks of Serbia. With a love for nature, family, and simplicity, Jokić’s annual rafting trip has become a much-anticipated tradition — not just for him, but for the fans who catch glimpses of his offseason lifestyle.
For most NBA stars, the offseason is packed with brand deals, private jet trips, and flashy appearances at summer events. But for Nikola, it’s the exact opposite. It’s about slowing down. It’s about reconnecting with what grounds him. And nothing captures that more perfectly than his now-iconic rafting trips.
Back to the Basics
If there’s one word that defines Nikola Jokić, it’s unbothered. Whether it’s on the court orchestrating an offense or in interviews brushing off MVP talk, the reigning Finals MVP carries himself with a calm, steady energy. That same grounded mindset follows him in the offseason — and rafting through the countryside is one of his favorite ways to unwind.
Every year, Jokić returns to Serbia to spend time with his tight-knit group of friends and family. They don’t need luxury yachts or high-end beach resorts. Give them a raft, a river, and a cooler full of drinks, and they’re good to go.
The trip often takes place on the Drina River, which winds its way through Serbia’s lush valleys and quiet countryside. The water is cool, the scenery is breathtaking, and the vibe is always lighthearted. For Jokić, it’s the perfect place to laugh, relax, and reset.
Viral Moments Without Trying
Photos and videos from Nikola’s rafting trips have gone viral in recent summers — and not because he’s trying to be a social media star. In fact, that’s part of the charm. Whether it’s footage of him floating down the river in flip-flops and swim trunks or candid snaps of him grilling with his brothers on the shore, it all feels authentic.
This year’s rafting trip delivered once again. A short video clip posted by a friend showed Nikola casually steering a raft, shirtless and smiling, with a Bluetooth speaker strapped to the front and a dog chilling in the back. Fans flooded the comments, calling it “peak offseason Jokić” and joking that he looked more like a farmer on vacation than the best basketball player on the planet.
And that’s what makes it so special. While other stars may spend the offseason making headlines at fashion weeks or high-profile training camps, Jokić’s content comes straight from the heartland — raw, real, and hilarious in its simplicity.
The Bond With His Brothers
A big part of the annual trip is the family vibe. Nikola is incredibly close with his two older brothers, Nemanja and Strahinja, and the trio is often seen together during the offseason. They’ve been spotted grilling, playing cards by the water, or just floating in inner tubes while laughing like kids again.
The bond between the Jokić brothers is one of the most genuine stories in the NBA. Nemanja and Strahinja, both much older than Nikola, helped shape him into the player he is today — physically tough, mentally resilient, and always team-first. That same brotherhood plays out during these rafting trips, where basketball is rarely mentioned, and the focus is on enjoying the moment.
One fan favorite from this year’s trip? A candid picture of the three brothers in lawn chairs, holding up plastic cups and smiling at the camera. No flash, no filters — just vibes.
A Mental Reset Before the Grind
The NBA season is one of the longest and most physically demanding in all of sports. After leading the Nuggets to another deep playoff run and anchoring the team with his unmatched all-around brilliance, Nikola needs time to recharge.
Rafting through the rivers of Serbia might seem like a laid-back vacation, but for Jokić, it’s vital. It’s his way of centering himself before heading back into the weight room, the gym, and eventually another 82-game war.
Mental health and balance are crucial, especially for stars under constant scrutiny. Jokić’s ability to stay consistent and unfazed under pressure stems in part from his offseason habits. He doesn’t chase headlines — he chases peace. And rafting is his happy place.
Why Fans Love It
Part of Nikola Jokić’s popularity comes from how different he is from most NBA superstars. He’s not flashy. He doesn’t care about being the face of the league. And he’s perfectly content spending his summer on a river rather than in a celebrity suite.
Fans respect that. His annual rafting trip has become almost legendary among the NBA community. It’s wholesome, it’s hilarious, and it’s refreshingly human. In an era of highlight reels and curated image management, Jokić reminds us that greatness doesn’t have to be loud.
Until Next Year…
As the raft docks for the last time this summer and Nikola gets ready to trade river rocks for basketballs again, fans are already hoping someone captures next year’s adventure. But even if the cameras miss it, you can bet he’ll be out there — paddling through the water, grinning with his brothers, and soaking up the freedom.
Because for Nikola Jokić, rafting isn’t just an offseason hobby — it’s a tradition. A way to breathe. A way to stay Nikola.
✅ See you next summer, river king.
