Nikola Jokić Dismisses Retirement Rumors, Reaffirms Love for Basketball

The three-time MVP says he plans to play as long as he can perform at a high level.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:23pm

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In a recent interview, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić dispelled any notion that he is considering retirement anytime soon. Jokić, who just turned 31, said he plans to continue playing basketball "until I can't play it" because he simply loves the game and the competition. This comes after Jokić faced some criticism during the All-Star break for not taking the game as seriously as others, but the Serbian big man made it clear that he cares deeply about basketball and has no plans to walk away from the NBA in his prime.

Why it matters

Jokić is one of the NBA's biggest stars and a key part of the Nuggets' championship aspirations, so his long-term commitment to the team and the sport is significant news. His comments help dispel any concerns about his future and reaffirm that he remains fully engaged and motivated to continue competing at the highest level.

The details

Jokić, who just missed 16 straight games with a hyperextended knee, said he felt like he had been "missing out" during that extended absence. He acknowledged that his reserved personality may lead some to believe he doesn't care as much, but he insisted that he "loves to play basketball" and "enjoys" the competition. Jokić even said he would rather win an NBA championship than an important horse racing championship "right now", further emphasizing his passion for the sport.

  • Jokić turned 31 years old on February 19, 2026.
  • Jokić recently missed 16 straight games with a hyperextended knee injury.

The players

Nikola Jokić

The three-time NBA MVP and star center for the Denver Nuggets.

Malika Andrews

The ESPN reporter who interviewed Jokić during the NBA All-Star break.

Kevin Durant

The Brooklyn Nets star who called out Jokić and Luka Dončić for not treating the game seriously enough.

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What they’re saying

“I think just my personality may be a little bit different. I accept victories and I accept success in different way, but I think I care about basketball and I love to play basketball and I enjoy it and I love competing.”

— Nikola Jokić, NBA Player

“To be honest, I think I'm going to play basketball until I can't play it. I can play on a high level, I think. Because I enjoy it. I love to play so I think I'm going to play until I can perform at a high level and still be healthy.”

— Nikola Jokić, NBA Player

What’s next

Jokić will be eligible to sign a massive contract extension with the Nuggets this summer, which should keep him in Denver for the foreseeable future.

The takeaway

Despite some external criticism, Nikola Jokić has made it clear that he remains deeply passionate about basketball and has no plans to retire anytime soon. His commitment to the Nuggets and the NBA will be crucial as the team looks to contend for a championship in the coming years.