Nuggets Bring Back Nikola Jokic’s Prized Possession After Childhood Picture Goes Viral

Destiny works in strange ways, and that statement holds true even in the NBA. One such example is Nikola Jokić and his association with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets drafted the Serbian big-man with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA draft. However, Jokic didn’t suit up for Denver until the start of next season because of his obligations with the European side, Mega Basket.

Jokic’s entry into the league was met with skepticism, but soon everyone became privy to Jokic’s excellence. Last season, Jokic led the Nuggets to their first NBA title in franchise history. He has earned a special place in the hearts of the Nuggets faithful. Yet, it may surprise some to learn that his connection with Denver predates his draft selection in 2014. In reality, his association with the Nuggets began nearly 24 years ago, back in 2000.

Jokic’s old connection with the Denver Nuggets

In 2022, Jokic’s agent, Misko Raznatovic, revealed that Nikola Jokić received a Denver Nuggets sweatshirt as a gift back in 2000, when he was just a 5-year-old boy. This situation is even more remarkable considering that the Nuggets were not particularly well-known in Jokic’s native Serbia at the time. Raznatovic stated that “a little destiny plays a big role in the overall outcome.”

Raznatovic further went on to state, “Back in 2000, when this photo was taken, he is wearing a Nuggets sweatshirt – not because he loved basketball or even knew about the Nuggets – but because he got it as a present. Chances of a kid from a small Serbian town having a sweatshirt from a lesser known American team back in 2000 were minimal (unless we’re talking about famous clubs such as Lakers or Bulls). Chances of anyone knowing about the Nuggets in a small Serbian town were next to nothing.”

In a peculiar twist of fate or perhaps a deliberate decision, the Nuggets have launched the exact same blue sweatshirt that Jokic wore back in 2000 to their fans. Numerous fans had been urging the Nuggets to release this merchandise for several years, and now they finally have the opportunity to purchase this iconic piece of clothing.

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The sweatshirt is available on Altitude Athletics, which is the official fan store for teams like the Nuggets, Avalanche and the Rapids. However, fans of the Nuggets would have to fork out approximately $80 dollars for the iconic sweatshirt. Do you think the sweatshirt played a decision in Jokic joining the nuggets? Let us know in the comments below!