In June, Nikola Jokic achieved his main goal with the Denver Nuggets by winning the NBA championship and claiming the Finals MVP award. These accomplishments were the last significant milestones for the Serbian big man, who had already been named MVP twice (2021, 2022), earned the title of All-Star five times (2019-2023), and received the Western Conference Finals MVP award (2023). With these achievements under his belt, questions now arise about Jokic’s long-term plans in the NBA and whether he will continue to play into his late 30s, similar to LeBron James.
LeBron James is currently entering Year 21 of his career and expects to keep playing for at least another one or two years. The longevity of his career raises the question of whether Jokic may follow suit and remain in the league for an extended period. However, some of Jokic’s former teammates have a different perspective on the Serbian star’s potential career trajectory.
Former Jokic teammate Austin Rivers, for instance, doesn’t expect him to stay in the league long-term. Instead, he anticipates that Jokic will leave the NBA within a few years. This perspective stands in contrast to the enduring careers of league veterans like LeBron James, who continue to play at a high level well into their late 30s.
However, it’s worth noting that every player’s career is unique, and what works for one, like LeBron, might not be suitable for Jokic. Ultimately, the decision to continue or retire will be up to Jokic himself, as he assesses his performance, health, and personal goals in the coming years.
Despite the opinions of his former teammates, only time will tell whether Jokic decides to follow a similar path to LeBron or if he chooses to leave the league sooner than expected. While some may speculate on his career’s future, Jokic’s decision will depend on a variety of factors, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how his journey in the NBA unfolds.
