Nikola Jokić Turns Serbia into the Perfect Hideaway: Horses, Kayaking, and a Simple Lifestyle

In an era where elite athletes are often micromanaged, media-obsessed, and constantly brand-building, Nikola Jokic remains an enigma—and a refreshing one. While others are working out in empty gyms and hyping their offseason “grind,” the Denver Nuggets superstar is rafting shirtless down Serbia’s Tara River, drink in hand, soaking up life like a man who’s already won it all.

Welcome to Nikola Jokic’s summer—a season not of workouts and sponsorships, but of horses, rivers, and refreshingly real vibes.

The MVP Who Doesn’t Act Like an MVP

Let’s not get it twisted: Nikola Jokic is still a basketball god.

The 7-foot Serbian just wrapped up another monstrous NBA season, averaging a career-best triple-double of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. He narrowly missed a record-setting fourth MVP title, finishing runner-up to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and remains the heartbeat of the Denver Nuggets.

But while others might stew over missed accolades or go straight into offseason grind mode, Jokic does the unthinkable—he checks out.

Not mentally. Not in effort. But he checks out of the NBA noise. He returns home to Sombor, Serbia, swaps sneakers for boots, and reclaims his most cherished identity—not as an MVP, but as a horse-loving, beer-sipping family man.

“Basketball is just a job,” Jokic famously said. “Horses are my passion.”

Harness Racing Over Highlight Reels

While most NBA stars use the offseason to train or market themselves, Jokic dives deep into equestrianism. He doesn’t just ride—he competes.

This summer, he’s already been seen attending amateur harness racing events, where he either spectates with the seriousness of a coach or participates with unfiltered glee. The NBA’s three-time MVP (2021, 2022, 2024) is often spotted at local Serbian stables, brushing his horses, chatting with fellow riders, and disappearing into a world far removed from the NBA’s glamor.

It’s a jarring sight for some fans: the NBA’s most dominant big man spending his free time in muddy boots and stables. But for Jokic, this is the exact balance that makes him tick.

“When I’m around horses, I don’t think about basketball,” Jokic told Serbian media. “That’s the point.”

Shirtless, Rafting, and Fully Unbothered

Of course, social media couldn’t ignore Jokic this summer.

One viral video showed the Nuggets star shirtless on a raft, lazily drifting down the crystal-clear waters of the Tara River with friends. In one hand? A drink. In the other? Nothing—because he was too busy relaxing, smiling, and waving to fans shouting “MVP! MVP!” from the riverbanks.

The moment captured exactly what makes Nikola Jokic such an anomaly: a generational talent who doesn’t seek the spotlight yet somehow always ends up in it—just by being himself.

While other stars chase magazine covers and workout hype, Jokic is living his best life, in a setting that’s as raw and real as his basketball game.

Trying Sepak Takraw? Why Not?

Another fan-captured moment this summer only added to Jokic’s mythos.

In a newly surfaced clip, Jokic is seen trying Sepak Takraw, a Southeast Asian sport that blends soccer and volleyball. Incredibly, the 7-footer shows impressive agility, managing a decent volley using only his feet and head. The internet exploded.

Fans marveled not just at his coordination, but at his curiosity. What other NBA superstar would try such a random, niche sport just for fun?

That’s Jokic. Forever curious, forever authentic.

Detached From the NBA Drama

Back in Denver, things are less serene. The Nuggets’ offseason is already full of turbulence.

The organization shocked many by firing GM Calvin Booth, whose roster-building helped secure the team’s 2023 NBA title. Rumors swirl around potential roster reshuffling, and fans worry about who will complement Jokic as the team tries to reclaim the throne next season.

But Jokic? He’s thousands of miles away—emotionally and physically—and unconcerned.

That’s not apathy. That’s emotional self-preservation. Jokic knows the NBA machine never stops, and his method of survival is to step outside it when he can. His detachment isn’t laziness—it’s strategic.

“I trust the people in Denver to do what’s best,” Jokic once said. “My job is to play when the season starts.”

Why Nikola Jokic Has the Best Summers in the NBA

Let’s compare offseason lifestyles:

• LeBron James, now fielding retirement questions, might be planning a possible farewell tour with every move under public scrutiny.

• Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson, trying to stay relevant in Big3, just got ejected after fighting each other in their debut game.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, a relentless worker, is probably already back in the gym, preparing to chase another MVP.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic is fishing, riding horses, and laughing with fans on rafts.

He isn’t chasing clout, controversy, or even basketball immortality. He’s just being Nikola—and that’s why his summers are the most envied in the league.

Fans Are Obsessed With His Off-Court Persona

The internet has fallen in love with Jokic’s “anti-celebrity” image.

Memes about Jokic’s relaxed lifestyle flood platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok. Fans joke that he’s “the NBA’s only player who doesn’t like basketball”—and they say it admiringly.

One top Reddit comment summed it up:

“Jokic is that friend who’s insanely good at something but would rather be chilling on a tractor with his dog.”

That authenticity is priceless in today’s NBA.

The Secret to Jokic’s Success? Balance

In a league driven by obsession, Jokic thrives on balance. He gives 100% on the court, and 0% to the noise surrounding it.

This summer routine isn’t just fun—it’s his formula.

It’s why he can dominate without burnout. Why he can stay consistent while others rise and fall. Why he trusts his body, mind, and instincts rather than overtraining or overanalyzing.

And maybe that’s the bigger story: Nikola Jokic isn’t ignoring basketball—he’s respecting life.

Looking Ahead: Will This Calm Fuel Another MVP Run?

Jokic has already cemented himself as an all-time great. But come October, the 29-year-old will be hungry once again, perhaps with a more motivated Nuggets squad eager to bounce back.

Will his relaxed summer result in another MVP push? Another title run?

Maybe. But the truth is, Jokic doesn’t care about those narratives until it’s time to suit up. And that’s what makes him dangerous. He’s rested, mentally clear, and unfazed.

He’s not seeking greatness. He just keeps finding it.

Conclusion: The MVP Who’s Already Won

While many NBA players spend their offseasons chasing physical perfection or brand engagement, Nikola Jokic spends his chasing joy.

He rides. He drinks. He disconnects. And when he returns, he plays like a man who’s whole—not just an athlete, but a fully balanced human being.

Nikola Jokic has the best summers in the NBA because he remembers what so many forget:

Basketball is part of life. Not all of it.

And somehow, that realization makes him even more powerful when the ball is tipped again.