Nikola Jokic's Wife Has Been by His Side since Childhood – More about Natalija Jokic

Natalija Jokic is Nikola Jokic's wife. The two have known each other since childhood and started dating when they were 16.

The couple got engaged in January 2020 during the covid-19 pandemic and tied the knot later that year in a colorful wedding back in their home country Serbia.

Nikola Jokic, among the most valued players in the NBA, prefers living a simple life. If he is not playing basketball, he's hanging out with his family.

Nikola Jokic and His Wife Have Been Together since Childhood

Nikola and Natalija Jokic have known each since they were kids, and what started as a simple childhood friendship became an incredible love story. The couple started dating at 16 when they were still in Serbia.

Nikola and Natalija have remained strong in their marriage; the couple welcomed their first child Ognjena who was born in 2021.

Nikola Jokic Is Simple and Down to Earth

Despite having a successful career and many privileges, Nikola likes to live a simple life; the NBA star keeps a low-maintenance personality. Nothing changed after signing the richest contract deal; it was like a typical day for him.

Tim Connelly, the president of basketball operations, said the NBA star's priority is to play basketball and hang out with his family:

"He doesn't like the spotlight. We have to talk him into doing a press conference. He just wants to play ball and help us win games and hang out with his girlfriend and his family."

Nikola's life outside basketball is low-key. The celebrated athlete likes hiking in the Denver mountains and enjoys the weather and altitude air. He loves the company of his wife and brothers, and whenever they go on a road trip, Nikola never forgets his PlayStation.

According to his brother Nemanja, the only time Nikola enjoyed the nightlife experience was on New Year's Eve after his brothers put pressure on him. The basketballer stated that he likes to keep a simple life:

"Everybody who knows me, they know that I'm not a flashy guy. I'm not gonna go out and party. I keep it simple and enjoy life. That's who I am."

Nikola and his family like playing games during their free time, and the game of cards is what they enjoy most. Whenever playing a card game against his brothers, he usually tells Natalija to cheat:

"You have to watch the cards; you must watch everybody at the table because everybody is cheating. You don't know who is the worst."

Nikola Jokic's Wedding in Serbia

In January 2020, just before the covid-19 pandemic, Nikola and Natalija got engaged. She took to her Instagram to celebrate the news with her fans. Later that year, in October, the couple tied the knot in a beautiful wedding ceremony in his hometown, Sombor, Serbia.

Nikola is a loving and caring husband. The NBA star would tightly lace up his wedding ring on his sneakers whenever playing a game. Something that his fans described as a warm and loving gesture towards his wife.

After his wedding, the celebrated athlete's performance improved; he played at an MVP level. Nikola and Natalija have remained firm in their marriage; the couple welcomed their first child, Ognjena, born in 2021.

Nikola Jokic's Happy Family Life

Having an additional family member affected Nikola's on-court ability and approach. The NBA star missed attending Denver Nugget's training camp due to the birth of his child.

Nikola and Natalija seem to be enjoying parenthood as the mom of one frequently posts pictures of their baby. Their marriage is indeed a match made in heaven.

In May 2022, Natalija and Nikola's family surprised him in his hometown with an MVP award. It was an emotional moment as the basketball star was seen shedding tears of joy.

When he was asked about his future plans, Nikola said he had big dreams for his career and wished to leave a legacy so that one day when he's old, he'll tell his kids that back in the day that he was good at playing basketball.