How old was Jokic when he was drafted?

How Old Was Jokić When He Was Drafted?

When Nikola Jokić was drafted into the NBA, he was just 19 years old. Though already making a name for himself in Europe, his journey wasn’t a straight shot to stardom. Born in Sombor, Serbia, Jokić initially flirted with an unexpected passion—horse racing. As a teenager, he even helped train horses on his family’s farm, a humble chapter that contrasts sharply with his current NBA legacy.

But basketball ultimately won his heart. At just 17, he signed his first professional contract with Mega Vizura, a lower-division Serbian club. Playing there sharpened his skills and revealed his extraordinary basketball IQ, soft touch, and uncanny passing ability—traits that don’t always jump off the stat sheet but scream potential to seasoned scouts.

The Denver Nuggets saw it. In the 2014 NBA Draft, they took a gamble on the lanky, unproven center in the second round, selecting him 41st overall. At the time, it seemed like a quiet pick among flashier names. Few could’ve predicted that this relatively unknown player from a small European team would evolve into a three-time MVP and one of the most revolutionary big men in NBA history.

Looking back, drafting Jokić at 19 was less about immediate impact and more about long-term vision. He didn’t come over to the U.S. right away, spending another year developing in Serbia. That patience—on both sides—paid off enormously. Now, he’s not just a cornerstone for Denver but a symbol of how raw, intelligent talent, when nurtured, can redefine what’s possible on the court.