Former teammate of Nikola Jokic, Austin Rivers, doesn’t believe that the Serbian player will play until he’s 40 years old in the NBA.
Rivers spent a year in Denver and had the opportunity to firsthand witness the mindset of the two-time league MVP.
“No, no, no chance, no chance, no chance he’ll play longer. I see him playing another 5, 6 years. How old is he? He’s 29. I think he’ll play until he’s 34, maybe 35,” Rivers said.
Another gesture that proves Serbia is a priority for Jokic was highlighted.
“I remember when we lost to Golden State. I came in two days later and asked, ‘Where’s Nikola?’ They told me he had left… He left two days later. I don’t think he cares about American pop culture, trends. He’s already a champion, MVP, has a title, signed a super-max contract. He can sign another one, and he won’t be around,” Austin Rivers concluded in Bill Simmons’ podcast.
Jokic played a pivotal role in helping Denver win the NBA championship last season. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the Finals, which the Nuggets won 4-1 against Miami.
Following that, the Sombor native decided to skip the FIBA World Cup due to mental and physical exhaustion, during which Serbia won the silver medal.