Nikola Jokić was signed without being seen
Nikola Jokić became a Denver Nuggets star after Serbian agent Miško Ražnatović discovered his junior statistics in a newspaper. Ražnatović decided to pursue the 17-year-old before anyone from his agency had watched him play.
Sports Illustrated reported that Jokić became the first player in the agency’s 27-year history to be signed without an employee seeing him compete. The decision broke Ražnatović’s normal process built around scouting, projections, and analysis.
Nikola Jokić caught Ražnatović’s eye
Miško Ražnatović first noticed Nikola Jokić while reading Serbian junior league results in a newspaper. One box score showed 29 points and 26 rebounds, enough to make the experienced agent investigate the unfamiliar teenager.
Ražnatović checked again after another game and found another strong statistical line. The repeated production pushed him to ask a scout for information about Jokić, whose name was still largely unknown outside local basketball circles.
Nikola Jokić forced a scouting exception
Nikola Jokić was so unfamiliar that Ražnatović’s scout initially could not identify him. After making calls, the scout returned with positive news, and Ražnatović decided to sign the Serbian prospect without seeing him.
Ražnatović later said the choice ran counter to his usual reliance on systems, projections, and detailed evaluation. He sent a representative to meet Jokić’s family, turning a newspaper discovery into an agency relationship in 2012.
Nikola Jokić struggled in early testing
Nikola Jokić joined Mega in Belgrade after Ražnatović’s agency became involved with his development. ESPN reported that early physical testing exposed conditioning weaknesses, although coaches quickly noticed coordination, passing vision, and basketball awareness.
During one test, Jokić could not complete 10 situps or 10 pushups, according to ESPN. Mega’s coaches still saw qualities that mattered more, especially his ability to read situations and create for teammates.
Nikola Jokić gained international exposure
Nikola Jokić represented Serbia at the 2013 FIBA U19 Championship for Men in Czechia. Serbia finished 2nd, while Jokić averaged 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 8 total games.
Rafał Juć saw Jokić at the tournament and noticed glimpses of unusual passing and court vision. ESPN reported that Jokić later became a stronger target for Denver around the 2014 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland.
Nikola Jokić fell to Denver at No. 41
Nikola Jokić entered the 2014 NBA Draft after developing with Mega in Serbia. Denver selected the 6-foot-10 center with the 41st overall pick in the 2nd round on June 26, 2014.
Denver listed Jokić at 254 pounds and cited averages of 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in Serbian League play. He remained with Mega after Denver secured his NBA draft rights.
Nikola Jokić stayed in Europe after draft
Nikola Jokić did not move to Denver after the 2014 draft. Sports Illustrated reported that his camp expected him to continue developing in Europe, with an NBA move considered after another 2 or 3 years.
Jokić was asleep in Serbia when Denver selected him 41st overall, according to Sports Illustrated. His draft announcement appeared during a Taco Bell commercial, an unusual broadcast detail that later became part of his story.
Nikola Jokić nearly joined Barcelona
Nikola Jokić nearly joined FC Barcelona before moving to the NBA. Sports Illustrated reported that the sides were close to an agreement during the 2014- 2015 season before Barcelona representatives watched another Mega game.
Jokić recalled producing only 4 points and 3 rebounds in that appearance while struggling defensively. Barcelona requested more time afterward, giving Denver an opening to bring its 2014 second-round selection to the United States.
Nikola Jokić raised his value at Mega
Nikola Jokić strengthened his professional résumé during the 2014-15 season with Mega, earning Adriatic League MVP and Top Prospect honors as well as 4 Round MVP awards.
Denver’s current records list Jokić at 16.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game across 38 appearances for KK Mega Vizura during the 2014-15 season.
Nikola Jokić made an immediate NBA impact
Nikola Jokić joined Denver for the 2015 to 2016 NBA season and quickly produced at the professional level. He averaged 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while appearing in 80 regular-season games.
The NBA named Jokić to the All-Rookie First Team, and he finished 3rd in Rookie of the Year voting. Those results gave Denver early evidence that its 41st pick could become a long-term centerpiece.
Fun fact: Before NBA stardom, Jokić once left a basketball game at halftime for a horse race. Basketball apparently had competition long before defenders did.
Nikola Jokić turned No. 41 into 3 MVPs
Nikola Jokić turned the No. 41 draft selection into 3 NBA Most Valuable Player awards. He won in 2021, 2022, and 2024, becoming the 9th player in league history to earn the honor 3 times.
The NBA identified Jokić as the lowest-drafted player to win MVP among drafted players. His 2021 award also made him the first Denver Nuggets player and the first Serbian recipient of the honor.
Nikola Jokić delivered Denver’s first title
Nikola Jokić led Denver to its first NBA championship in 2023 and earned Finals MVP honors. Against Miami, he averaged 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across the 5-game championship series.
Jokić also became the first player to record a 30-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in NBA Finals history. He received all 11 Finals MVP votes from the media panel covering the series.
With FIFA president Gianni Infantino facing questions over executive power, football officials are discussing tighter limits on the role. Curious what changes are being considered? Explore how the proposals could reshape FIFA leadership.
Nikola Jokić remained elite in 2026
Nikola Jokić remained among the NBA’s leading players during the 2025 to 2026 season, more than a decade after his draft night. He averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists across 65 games.
Reuters reported that Jokić earned unanimous selection to the 2026 All-NBA First Team after averaging a triple-double. He received all 100 first-place votes, extending a career that began with one unusual scouting gamble.
With scrutiny growing around FIFA president Gianni Infantino, major soccer nations are considering an unprecedented response. Curious how a no-confidence vote could work and who might support it? Explore what could happen next.
Would you have signed Nikola Jokić without seeing him play, based only on his unusual junior statistics and scouting reports? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
