There are often stories in basketball that go unreported, stories of those who played an important part behind the scenes.
Strahinja Jokic, the Jokic brothers’ elder sibling, is one such unsung hero.
While his younger brother, Nikola Jokic, has ascended to become a two-time NBA MVP and a global basketball sensation, Strahinja’s impact on his route to greatness is an interesting story to follow.
We go into the life of Strahinja Jokic and the enormous impact he had on Nikola’s incredible NBA career in this blog article.
Strahinja Jokic, the eldest of the Jokic siblings, was born in the year 1982. From a young age, he harbored a deep-seated enthusiasm for basketball, which ultimately ignited a similar fervor in his younger sibling.
Standing tall at 6’8″, Strahinja’s early involvement in basketball unknowingly laid the foundation for an extraordinary journey.
The Source of Inspiration
Nikola Jokic, the two-time NBA MVP, owes part of his basketball journey to the inspiration he found in Strahinja.
Being over a decade older, Strahinja’s basketball career exposed Nikola to the world of hoops at an early age.
However, it wasn’t Strahinja’s exceptional skills that left a lasting impression on Nikola; it was his unyielding determination and fierce competitiveness.
A Distinctive Playing Style
Strahinja’s playing style differed significantly from that of his younger brother, Nikola. While Nikola dazzled with his extraordinary talent, Strahinja’s game more closely resembled that of Kendrick Perkins.
Despite not possessing the same natural gifts, Strahinja’s unwavering desire to win and aversion to defeat made a profound impact on Nikola.
The Supportive Sibling
Basketball was a big part of their lives.
Strahinja played professionally in Serbia, Nemanja played in college, and Nikola watched and learned from them on the local courts.
Strahinja’s role extended beyond that of an inspirational figure. He became a dedicated supporter and protector for Nikola as he pursued his basketball dreams.
Strahinja was a constant presence at Nikola’s games, radiating passionate enthusiasm from the sidelines.
This fervent support was a trait inherited from their father, who was equally ardent when it came to watching basketball games.
When Nikola was drafted by the Denver Nuggets, his brothers moved with him to Denver to support his NBA career.
Strahinja is known for getting tense during close games, even punching chairs in excitement.
Nikola and his wife welcomed their daughter, Ognjena, in 2021.
She’s often seen at games with her family, cheering on her dad alongside her uncles.
Displays of Passion
Strahinja’s passionate nature occasionally led to emotional outbursts during games.
Whether it was punching chairs in moments of intense competition or briefly stepping away from the court to manage frustration, his fervor for the game was undeniable.
This passionate demeanor was a testament to his deep-rooted love for basketball.
In 2021, Strahinja and Nemanja defended Nikola on Twitter after an on-court incident with the Morris twins, Markieff and Marcus.
Legal Challenges
Despite his supportive role in Nikola’s journey, Strahinja faced a different trajectory when he encountered legal challenges.
In 2019, he was detained on accusations of assault after an incident in his flat with a lady.
The incident, which occurred while under the influence of alcohol, resulted in serious accusations such as second-degree assault, false imprisonment, and phone service obstruction.
Legal Resolution
Following the legal ordeal, Strahinja eventually pleaded guilty in February 2020 to a misdemeanor count of obstruction of phone service and felony trespassing, while the other charges were dropped.
He received a deferred sentence, which meant that he would avoid penalties if he adhered to the rules of unsupervised probation and stayed clear of legal issues until February 3, 2022.
The Unheralded Hero
Amidst Nikola Jokic’s NBA stardom, it is essential to recognize the pivotal role played by his elder brother, Strahinja Jokic.
While Nikola enjoys the limelight of global basketball success, Strahinja remains an unheralded hero whose influence and support paved the way for his brother’s remarkable journey.
His story serves as a poignant reminder that greatness often finds its origins in the unwavering support and inspiration provided by loved ones, even when they remain in the shadows.