NBA Veteran Admires Nikola Jokic’s Greatness

12-year NBA veteran Dennis Schroder reportedly admires Nikola Jokic’s greatness on and off the court. Schroder, 31, recently spoke highly of Jokic, 30, also known as “The Joker.” Read on for further details.

NBA Veteran Admires Nikola Jokic’s Greatness

According to BasketNews, Schroder admires Jokic’s greatness on and off the court. Schroder’s admiration for the former NBA MVP shouldn’t come as a surprise. Jokic appears to succeed in prioritizing his family amid his professional basketball success.

BasketNews’ post on X, formerly Twitter, included an image in which Schroder said of Jokic’s priorities and dominance on the court, “He says he doesn’t want to be remembered in the books for basketball, but for how good he is as a father. But as a player, he’s the best in the world.”

Schroder added that he finds it fascinating that basketball only comes second or third in the big man’s life. He enjoys spending time with his family and his horses, such as in his farmhouse nestled in the heart of his hometown in Sombor, Serbia.

NBA Veteran vs. Nikola Jokic

Schroder’s outlook entering the 2025-26 NBA season appears to be optimistic as he will play his first season with the Sacramento Kings. The Detroit Pistons traded Schroder via a sign-and-trade with the Kings on July 7. Jokic’s outlook entering 2025-26 appears to be on the up-and-up. He averaged a triple-double season in 2024-25. He was also named Sporting News’ Player of the Year and finished as runner-up for both the NBA Clutch Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards.

Schroder has been proving to the NBA why he’s a priority, despite his lack of playoff experience. In six playoff games, he has averaged 12.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Schroder’s regular season averages consist of 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

Jokic’s regular season averages feature 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He averages 26.2 points, 12.7 assists, and 8 rebounds per game in the postseason. He has played in 70 regular season and 14 playoff games since 2015. His presence continues to be a constant for the Nuggets.

Final Thoughts

Jokic has an edge over Schroder, but, at the end of the day, both he and Schroder are talented NBA players. Joker is known for his pillowy hands, light feet, and three-point range, while Schroder’s best asset is his super-fast quick-step. Schroder is great at getting into the paint as well.