Nikola Jokic Breaks NBA Center Assists Record, Honors Late Coach

Nuggets star credits his mentor Dejan 'Deki' Milojevic for shaping his passing style

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:41am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors depicting the action and movement of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes representing the game's dynamics and Nikola Jokic's passing ability.Nikola Jokic's record-breaking passing prowess is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the game into a dynamic, geometric display of his court vision and unselfish play.Denver Today

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has broken the NBA record for most assists by a center, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's long-standing mark. Jokic credited his late coach Dejan 'Deki' Milojevic for instilling in him the importance of making the right play and delivering joy to teammates through assists.

Why it matters

Jokic's record-breaking achievement highlights his unique skillset as a big man who can orchestrate an offense, a trait that is redefining the traditional role of NBA centers. His ability to elevate his teammates through unselfish play has been a key factor in the Nuggets' success.

The details

Jokic recorded his record-breaking 5,667th assist during the Nuggets' 126-115 win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, finding Jalen Pickett for a three-pointer in the second quarter. Jokic, who has been an All-Star, NBA Champion, and Finals MVP, has consistently applied the principles he learned from his late mentor Milojevic, who passed away in 2024 while serving as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors.

  • Jokic recorded his first career assist on October 30, 2015.
  • Milojevic tragically passed away on January 17, 2024.
  • Jokic broke the record during the Nuggets' game against the Magic on April 10, 2026.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center who has broken the NBA record for most assists by a center, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's long-standing mark.

Dejan 'Deki' Milojevic

Jokic's late mentor, who served as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors and passed away in 2024. Milojevic played a crucial role in shaping Jokic's distinctive passing style.

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What they’re saying

“I always emphasize that an assist brings joy to two players. That's something my coach Deki always told me.”

— Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Center

“Damn. I wish I could have been part of that moment.”

— Bruce Brown, Denver Nuggets Guard

“He plays the game instinctively, making the right decisions for his teammates. If you're the open guy, he'll trust you with the ball, regardless of your experience level. Knowing that the best player trusts you boosts everyone's performance.”

— David Adelman, Denver Nuggets Head Coach

“It's really special to look back on all the years I've had the opportunity to play alongside him. Passing Kareem in any category is a remarkable achievement, underscoring his greatness and selflessness.”

— Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets Guard

What’s next

The Nuggets will face the Houston Rockets in their next game, where Jokic will look to continue his impressive passing display.

The takeaway

Nikola Jokic's record-breaking achievement as a passing big man is a testament to his unique skillset and the lasting impact of his late mentor, Dejan 'Deki' Milojevic. Jokic's ability to elevate his teammates through unselfish play is redefining the traditional role of NBA centers and could have far-reaching implications for the future of the game.