In the world of professional basketball, few names shine as brightly as Nikola Jokic. The Denver Nuggets’ star player has not only earned accolades but also stirred up some recent controversy. In this article, we’ll delve into what happened to Nikola Jokic and get to know the man behind the headlines.
The Ejection Incident
Nikola Jokic was ejected from the game against the Bulls with two technical fouls after disputing a foul call on a layup attempt. It’s his second ejection this season due to arguments with referees.
What Happened To Nikola Jokic?
Nikola Jokic, the star player for the Denver Nuggets, was ejected from a game against the Bulls after receiving two technical fouls. This happened when he argued with the officials, believing he was fouled during a layup attempt over Nikola Vucevic. Jokic’s ejection occurred with only 1:08 remaining in the second quarter, and he concluded the game with four points, nine rebounds, and six assists in just 16 minutes of play.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time he has been tossed from a game this season due to disputes with referees, presenting a challenge for the Nuggets. DeAndre Jordan and Zeke Nnaji are expected to step up and fill the void during Jokic’s absence on the court.
Nikola Jokic Ejection
Nikola Jokic, the star player for the Denver Nuggets, faced an unexpected ejection during a game against the Chicago Bulls. The two-time MVP played only 16 minutes in the first half before being tossed out of the game for arguing with officials about a non-call on a shot attempt against Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. This marked Jokic’s second ejection of the season, the first occurring on November 20 against the Detroit Pistons.
Fans, both in the arena and on social media, expressed frustration with some even calling it the “worst ejection of all time.” Despite Jokic’s early departure, the Nuggets maintained a lead at halftime, showcasing the team’s resilience in the face of unexpected challenges, including the absence of Jamal Murray due to an ankle sprain. The ejection has sparked discussions about officiating in the NBA and the impact on star players.
Get to Know Nikola Jokic
Now that we’ve covered the recent incident, let’s take a closer look at who Nikola Jokic is beyond the basketball court.
Who is Nikola Jokic?
Nikola Jokić, born on February 19, 1995, is a Serbian basketball star who plays as a center for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Known by the nickname “the Joker,” he is considered one of the best players and centers in NBA history. Jokić has achieved significant milestones, including being a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons and leading the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2022-23, earning him the NBA Finals MVP. His remarkable skills go beyond scoring, as he is also praised for his playmaking abilities, making him a unique and influential figure in the world of basketball. Jokić’s journey from a small town in Serbia to NBA stardom showcases his talent, dedication, and impact on the sport.
| Full Name | Nikola Jokić |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1995 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birthplace | Sombor, Serbia, FR Yugoslavia |
| Nationality | Serbian |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 284 lb |
| Position | Center |
| NBA Team | Denver Nuggets |
A Glance at Jokic’s Career
Nikola Jokić, a basketball star from Serbia, has had an incredible career in the NBA. Known for his outstanding skills as a center, Jokić has achieved numerous milestones and records throughout his journey. Starting with his early days with the Denver Nuggets, Jokić showcased his ability to make game-winning shots and contribute significantly to his team’s victories.
His remarkable performances, such as scoring a career-high of 47 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks and recording triple-doubles, earned him recognition and respect in the league. Notably, Jokić’s impact expanded during the 2020-21 season when he secured his first NBA Most Valuable Player award, becoming the first center to achieve this honor since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000.
His exceptional skills in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking set him apart, making him a key player for the Denver Nuggets. The following seasons only added to his legacy, with Jokić securing a second MVP award and leading the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in the 2022-23 season. His journey, marked by triple-doubles, impressive stats, and a historic NBA Finals performance, has solidified Jokić’s place as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Current Status and Expectations
Nikola Jokic, the star player for the Denver Nuggets, is all set to hit the basketball court against the Chicago Bulls. Despite the Nuggets playing on back-to-back nights, Jokic’s status is unaffected, meaning he’s good to go for the game. The team’s injury report doesn’t list Jokic, assuring fans that the talented player will be actively contributing to the match.
While Jokic remains a reliable force, the Nuggets will miss some key players due to injuries, such as Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Jay Huff, and Braxton Key. The availability of Aaron Gordon is likely, but there’s some uncertainty regarding Jamal Murray’s participation. In the previous game against the Atlanta Hawks, Jokic displayed an impressive performance, bouncing back with improved shooting.
Although the Nuggets have faced some challenges recently, the win against the Hawks could potentially ignite a winning streak. Even though the Bulls may not be among the top teams, they have players capable of creating difficulties for the Nuggets. Fans eagerly anticipate Jokic’s impact on the court, hoping for another victory for the Denver Nuggets in this matchup.
The Financial Success of Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic, the Serbian basketball star born on February 19, 1995, has amassed a substantial net worth of approximately $50 million. This impressive financial status is mainly attributed to Jokic’s historic contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, a whopping $276 million deal that stands as the largest in NBA history at the time of signing.
Jokic, recognized for his exceptional skills as a center, is not only a five-time NBA All-Star but also a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, making history for the Denver Nuggets. In addition to his basketball earnings, Jokic has secured significant endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Western Union, Somborac, and Panini, further contributing to his substantial net worth.
Meet Natalija Jokic, the Supportive Wife
Natalija Jokic, the wife of Nikola Jokic, is a significant part of the love story that has captured the hearts of NBA enthusiasts. She met Nikola when they were teenagers in high school in Serbia, and their relationship began to blossom. Despite a brief pause when Nikola pursued his basketball dreams in Belgrade, their bond grew stronger over the years.
Natalija, a Serbian psychologist, has been a pillar of support for Nikola throughout his basketball journey, from being a second-round draft pick to becoming a two-time NBA MVP. The couple, married since October 2020, welcomed their daughter, Ognjena, in September 2021.
While details about Natalija’s age and height are not widely known, she is estimated to be around 28 years old. Natalija’s dedication to her profession is evident, holding a Master’s degree in psychology from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Though her exact net worth is uncertain, her unwavering support for her husband’s career is immeasurable.
FAQs About Nikola Jokic
- Why was Nikola Jokic ejected during a game against the Chicago Bulls?
Nikola Jokic was ejected after receiving two technical fouls for arguing with officials over a non-call on a shot attempt against Nikola Vucevic. - How many times has Nikola Jokic been ejected this season?
Nikola Jokic has been ejected twice this season, with the recent ejection occurring in the game against the Chicago Bulls. - Who is Nikola Jokic’s wife?
Nikola Jokic’s wife is Natalija Jokic, a Serbian psychologist. - What is Natalija Jokic’s profession?
Natalija Jokic is a psychologist, having completed her Master’s degree in psychology from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2018. - Do Nikola Jokic and Natalija Jokic have a child?
Yes, Nikola Jokic and Natalija Jokic have a daughter named Ognjena, born on September 30, 2021.
In conclusion, Nikola Jokic is not just a basketball player; he’s a basketball phenomenon. Despite the occasional ejections and controversies, his impact on the court and his heartwarming love story with Natalija make him a truly remarkable figure both on and off the hardwood.
