Yardbarker
x
Nikola Jokic Is 6'11', 284 Pounds—And Still Looks Tiny Next To His Brother Strahinja
David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic is a towering figure in the NBA, standing 6-foot-11 and weighing a solid 284 pounds. The Denver Nuggets superstar is one of the most dominant forces in the league today, a generational center redefining the position with his soft touch, elite passing, and basketball IQ. 

Yet, despite his size and stature, there are moments where even the “Joker” looks small—and those rare moments usually come when he's standing next to his older brother, Strahinja Jokic.

Strahinja, a former professional basketball player in Europe, may officially be listed at 6-foot-9, but his presence feels even larger. Built like a heavyweight enforcer, Strahinja possesses a rugged frame and commanding physicality that make even his MVP younger brother look more like a point guard in comparison. 

With his broad shoulders, towering frame, and intense demeanor, Strahinja has become a well-known presence at Nuggets games—often spotted courtside, passionately supporting his little brother.

Nikola’s older brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja, are both deeply rooted in the game of basketball. Nemanja played college hoops at the University of Detroit Mercy, while Strahinja had a modest professional career in Europe. 

A decade older than Nikola, both brothers have been instrumental in shaping his mentality, toughness, and love for the game. Jokic often credits their rough backyard battles and unwavering support for helping him develop the resilience and skill that define his career today.

Despite all the chatter around MVP races and statistical greatness, Jokic remains unfazed—much like he likely was growing up surrounded by two giant, competitive brothers. And this season, the numbers speak louder than ever before. 

The reigning MVP is averaging a historic 29.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 57.8% from the field and an impressive 42.0% from beyond the arc. He recently notched a 61-point triple-double, the highest-scoring triple-double in NBA history, solidifying his place in rarefied air.

Jokic is on pace to become the first player in NBA history to finish a season in the top 3 across four major statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, and steals. It’s an unprecedented feat that speaks volumes about his all-around dominance. Yet, somehow, he's not the clear favorite for MVP.

That distinction currently belongs to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best 64-13 record. Shai is averaging 32.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting a blazing 51.9% from the field and 37.1% from deep. 

His elite two-way play and leadership have catapulted OKC into legitimate title contention and may ultimately give him the edge in the MVP voting.

Meanwhile, Jokic's Nuggets have struggled with consistency and depth, sitting 47-31 and fourth in the Western Conference. Still, when you combine his statistical mastery with his historic impact on winning, Jokic remains firmly in the MVP discussion—even if, next to Strahinja, he might not look like the biggest guy in the room.

In basketball and in life, size isn’t everything—but even Nikola Jokic gets humbled sometimes… especially when big brother Strahinja is around.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!