Nikola Jokic shuts down retirement rumors: “I’m going to play basketball until I can play on a high level”
At first look, Nikola Jokic appears to be counting down the times to his retirement. No one can blame him, although, as he has completed a lot at simply 30 years previous (quickly to be 31). His laid-back persona has additionally earned him a repute for indifference towards basketball, main many followers and pundits to consider he doesn’t care.
In different phrases, given his persona and life outdoors of the NBA – marked by his love for horse racing – Jokic has nothing left to show and might simply hold his sneakers up along with his Hall of Fame legacy secured.
commercial
However, in contrast to what his former teammate, DeMarcus Cousins, claimed, retirement continues to be removed from the Denver Nuggetssuperstar’s thoughts. As lengthy as he can assist his group win, count on him to be on the ground, enjoying his coronary heart out.
“To be honest, I’m going to play basketball until I can play on a high level,” Jokic advised ESPN’s Malika Andrews in an interview. “Because I enjoy it and I love to play.”
A profession for the NBA historical past books
In latest years, Jokic has been enjoying on a excessive degree. He has a hoop, Finals MVP, three MVPs, eight All-Star picks and 7 All-NBA nods to point out for it. He has been the Nuggets’ centerpiece, and in his eleventh yr, he nonetheless is.
commercial
This season, he’s averaging 28.7 factors on 59.0 p.c capturing, 12.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists. Before his damage, he was main the MVP race, conserving the Nuggets inside the prime three of the Western Conference.
“I’m going to play until I can perform on a high level and still kind of enjoy, still be healthy,” he stated.
But for the way lengthy can he maintain this high-level play?
Like each NBA participant, the Joker just isn’t immortal. He is liable to accidents and setbacks that might alter the trajectory of his season and his general profession. This marketing campaign alone, due to the 65-game rule, his case for his fourth MVP is in danger after lacking 16 straight video games.
commercial
Although Jokic may fall out of the MVP image, he may nonetheless maintain his greatness because of his play type. Standing at 6’11”, he can effortlessly make high-IQ plays, score an easy point and record the rebound without using a lot of energy and athleticism. This can allow him to stay healthy and play well into his late 30s.
Related: “It’s the soiled little secret that everybody is aware of about” – High-ranking NBA Executive exposes the league’s biggest problem
Jokic still has a lot left in store
Late in 2025, during a matchup against the Miami Heat, Jokic suffered a hyperextended left knee that sidelined him for four weeks. It was unfamiliar territory for everyone, especially the Joker, who had played at least 69 games in every season of his career up to that point.
advertisement
“It was really actually fascinating as a result of I’ve by no means been injured earlier than and it was a very sort of new second in my profession,” he said. “I’m so used to enjoying, so was once on the ground that I felt like I’m lacking out.”
This newfound perspective just goes to show how much Jokic actually loves playing basketball, unlike what the narratives have been pushing in recent years. He admitted that he lacks about the craft, but his approach to success and victories has been misconstructed by many.
Without passion, Jokic would not have reached this level of greatness. And as long as he holds on to that love for the game and stays healthy, he will not be retiring any time soon, especially since he is still out to win another championship.
advertisement
The horse racing titles can wait because the Joker still has a lot left in store.
Related: LeBron James projected to earn up to $75M from farewell tour streaming rights: “He may play for vet minimal on a title contender and nonetheless get compensation”
This story was initially printed by Basketball Network on Feb 19, 2026, the place it first appeared within the Latest News part. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking right here.
