Jul 31, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; Serbia power forward Nikola Jokic (15) celebrates with coaches and teammates after a play in the third quarter against Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

'He’s the Best in the World' – Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Receives Massive Compliment From EuroBasket Rival

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 10:11 AM ET

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is gearing up for the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket tournament. With him leading the way, Serbia is considered one of the heavy favourites to win the continental tournament.

Serbia recently won 91-81 against Germany in the DBB SuperCup Final. Before the game, the Denver Nuggets center drew huge praise from Dennis Schroder, who was on the other side.

“I find it fascinating that basketball really only comes second or third in his life,” Schroder told Magenta Sport. “He enjoys spending time with his family and his horses. He lives for the things that matter to him.”

Oct 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks to pass as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (22) defends him in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

“He says he doesn’t want to be remembered in the books for basketball, but for how good he is as a father,” he continued about Jokic. “But as a player, he’s the best in the world. Well, it’s just like that, based on the stats and what he’s been doing in the league for the past three, four, five years, how he dominates.”

Denver Nuggets News: Nikola Jokic to meet Luka Doncic-led Slovenia in an exhibition game

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic are scheduled to meet in a friendly on Thursday as part of their team’s preparations for the FIBA EuroBasket tournament.

Dec 20, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives to the net against Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby (3) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

With Serbia and Slovenia having some of the most passionate basketball fans, Serbian Basketball Federation president Nebojsa Covic expects a sold-out game at the 18,356-person capacity Belgrade Arena.

“There are more tickets, of course, but it has to be done very carefully,” Covic admitted via BasketNews. “Because if we had the opportunity to sell 100,000, we would sell 100,000 tickets.”