Nikola Jokic is putting to rest speculation about an early retirement, insisting he will continue playing basketball “until I can’t play it at a high level.”
The Denver Nuggets star spoke during the NBA All-Star break about his passion for the game, dismissing claims that his love for horse racing or his laid-back demeanor signal a lack of commitment.
“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.” Jokic told ESPN.
“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.”
The two-time MVP is having another standout season, averaging a triple-double with 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game. He earned his eighth All-Star selection this season, competing for Team Stripes, and recently notched 22 points, 17 assists, and 14 rebounds on Feb. 9, passing Oscar Robertson for No. 2 on the NBA’s all-time triple-double list with 182.
Only Russell Westbrook (207) trails ahead of Jokic, with Westbrook, Jokic, and Robertson the only players to average triple-doubles over a season. Jokic is also on pace to become the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double in three different seasons.
“Interesting” injury absence
Reflecting on missing 16 games earlier this season due to a hyperextended left knee, Jokic described the experience as “really interesting” given his career-long durability.
“It was actually really interesting because I haven’t been injured before, and it was a completely new moment in my career,” he said. “I’m so used to playing, so used to being on the floor, that I felt like I was missing out.”
Despite his absence, the Nuggets managed a 10-6 record in those games, with Peyton Watson and Jamal Murray stepping up to maintain the team’s Western Conference standing.
Jokic celebrated his 31st birthday on Feb. 19, marking the return of the Nuggets to the court and reaffirming that his focus remains on playing at the highest level and pursuing team success for years to come.
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