The untold story of how Nikola Jokić’s father, Branislav, advised him to give up his passion for horse racing, shaping him into the NBA superstar he is today

The Untold Story of How Nikola Jokić’s Father, Branislav, Advised Him to Give Up His Passion for Horse Racing, Shaping Him into the NBA Superstar He Is Today

Nikola Jokić is one of the most dominant and unique players in NBA history, but few people know that he almost never pursued a career in basketball. Instead, he had a deep passion for horse racing and dreamed of becoming a jockey. It was only through the guidance and influence of his father, Branislav Jokić, that Nikola chose to dedicate himself to basketball, a decision that ultimately led him to superstardom.

Branislav Jokić’s Crucial Role in His Son’s Career Choice

From an early age, Nikola Jokić was captivated by horses. Growing up in Serbia, he spent much of his time at horse stables and was fascinated by trotting races. He often expressed his desire to become a professional jockey, believing that his true passion lay with horses rather than basketball.

Branislav Jokić, however, had a different vision for his son. He recognized Nikola’s extraordinary height and physical attributes, which made him a perfect candidate for basketball. Branislav recalls telling his son:

“He started growing, both in height and size, and he began to realize that he could become a basketball player. But in those days, he had a great passion. He would say, ‘Dad, I want to be a jockey.’ And I would always tell him: ‘Son, become a basketball player first, and later, you can be a great jockey.’”

This gentle yet firm guidance from Branislav encouraged Nikola to explore basketball more seriously. While he never abandoned his love for horses, he began dedicating more time to improving his basketball skills.

From Trotting Races to NBA Greatness

Nikola Jokić’s transition from aspiring jockey to professional basketball player was not an overnight decision. His father’s encouragement played a vital role, but so did Nikola’s natural talent. As he grew taller and developed a unique skill set for a big man, his path to basketball became more apparent.

In Serbia, Jokić honed his skills playing for Mega Basket, where his exceptional passing, court vision, and basketball IQ stood out. He quickly gained recognition as one of the most promising young players in Europe. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of NBA scouts.

In 2014, the Denver Nuggets took a chance on him, selecting him with the 41st overall pick in the NBA Draft. At the time, few could have predicted that this second-round pick would become one of the best players in the world.

Becoming the Best Player in the World

Jokić’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of spectacular. He worked tirelessly to improve his conditioning, refine his skills, and adapt to the league’s fast pace. Over the years, he evolved into an elite playmaker and scorer, earning multiple All-Star selections and MVP awards.

By the 2022-2023 season, Jokić had cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors and proving that his father’s guidance had led him down the right path.

Nikola Jokić’s Lifelong Passion for Horses Remains

Although basketball became his profession, Jokić never lost his love for horses. To this day, he spends much of his offseason at horse stables, caring for and training horses. In fact, he has openly expressed his desire to return to trotting races once his basketball career is over.

“When my career ends, I plan to become a trotting coach and fulfill my lifelong dream of working with horses,” Jokić has said in multiple interviews.

His bond with horses remains strong, and he even owns a stable in Serbia, where he finds solace and peace away from the NBA’s bright lights.

The Lasting Influence of Branislav Jokić

Parental guidance often plays a crucial role in shaping the futures of young athletes, and the story of Nikola Jokić is a testament to that. Without Branislav’s wisdom, Nikola might have chosen an entirely different path. Instead, he became one of the most talented and unorthodox superstars the NBA has ever seen.

His ability to blend size, skill, and intelligence on the court is a direct reflection of the balance he maintains in life. Jokić’s love for basketball and horses coexist, showing that an individual can have multiple passions and still excel at the highest level.

Jokić’s Legacy: A Player Unlike Any Other

What makes Jokić truly special is not just his impressive stats or accolades but the way he plays the game. He has redefined what it means to be a center in the modern NBA. His court vision, passing ability, and unselfish approach have earned him comparisons to legendary players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

Despite his dominance, Jokić remains humble and grounded. His upbringing in Serbia, his connection to his family, and his love for horses keep him centered. While other superstars may chase the spotlight, Jokić prefers a quiet life, spending time with his family and horses rather than indulging in celebrity culture.

Conclusion: A Father’s Impact on Basketball History

Without Branislav Jokić’s wise words and encouragement, the basketball world might never have witnessed the brilliance of Nikola Jokić. His father’s simple but impactful advice changed the trajectory of his life and, in turn, the history of the NBA.

As fans, we owe a debt of gratitude to Branislav for steering Nikola toward basketball, allowing us to witness one of the most gifted and entertaining players of all time. And for Nikola, while his first love may have been horse racing, basketball became his destiny—one that has brought him worldwide admiration and success.

In the end, the story of Nikola Jokić is a testament to the power of parental guidance, the importance of following the right path, and the ability to balance multiple passions in life. Whether on the court or at the stables, Jokić continues to make history, proving that with the right encouragement, greatness is within reach.