Nikola Jokić isn’t the only athlete in his family. His two older brothers, Strahinja Jokić and Nemanja Jokić, have each played key roles in his journey, both on and off the court.
With backgrounds in basketball and mixed martial arts, the Jokić brothers have had their share of experiences, controversies, and defining moments.
Nikola Jokić’s Eldest Brother Strahinja Jokić
Born in 1982, Strahinja is the eldest of the Jokić brothers and the tallest among them. Standing 7 feet tall, he is 12 years older than Nikola. He played professional basketball in Europe, including a stint with KK Zekas ’75 Raca in Serbia’s 1. MRL league from 2019 to 2022, although his career didn’t extend much beyond that.
When the Denver Nuggets drafted Nikola and he moved to the U.S., Strahinja joined him in Denver to offer support. He lived with Nikola, their brother Nemanja, and Nikola’s then-girlfriend (now wife) Natalija in a modest three-bedroom apartment.
Strahinja has also made headlines for more controversial reasons. In April 2024, during a game between the Nuggets and Lakers, he allegedly punched a fan and was later charged with misdemeanor assault. He pleaded not guilty in January 2025, claiming he acted in defense of an old acquaintance.
According to Elise Schmelzer of the Denver Post, Strahinja was also charged with assault in 2019 for allegedly choking a woman in Denver. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor. These legal issues have made Strahinja a polarizing figure in the public eye.
Nikola’s Older Brother Nemanja Jokić
Nemanja, standing about 6 feet 6 inches, played college basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy from 2006 to 2009, where he averaged 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
In a 2017 interview with Sports Illustrated, Nemanja reflected on the mistakes he made early in his career.
“I made mistakes. When I was young, basketball wasn’t my No. 1 priority. Going out, having fun, drinking, girls — that was my No. 1 priority,” he said. “I was making my own decisions — ‘I’m not going to practice’ — when I still needed family support. That’s what I was missing.”
When Nikola moved to the U.S., Nemanja expressed confidence that his younger brother wouldn’t repeat those mistakes.
“He’s an intelligent guy, and I’m confident he wouldn’t get off track here,” Nemanja said. “But this is such an important time, and I want him to have the kind of support I didn’t. I always tell him, ‘You’re living my dream. Don’t take it for granted. Don’t make the mistakes we made.'”
After his brief basketball career, Nemanja turned to mixed martial arts (MMA). He won his first professional fight by technical knockout and currently holds a record of six wins and seven losses. He has also competed in amateur Muay Thai events, including the 2021 Sparta Combat League: Army vs. Marines card, where he defeated William Vandervier.
Nikola’s brothers have each lived eventful lives alongside his rise to NBA superstardom. Whether through basketball, MMA, or unwavering family support, Strahinja and Nemanja Jokić continue to bring their intensity and presence to the Jokić legacy.