Nikola Jokic is currently in China, blending business, sport, and family rivalry during a promotional tour for the Chinese company 361 Degrees. This journey, unfolding in the summer of 2025, reveals new facets of Jokic’s personality while highlighting competitive moments with his brother, Nemanja, on a basketball court far from home.
A Multi-Faceted China Visit Merges Business with Adventure
In 2023, Jokic teamed up with 361 Degrees, a major Chinese sports apparel brand valued at $10.48 billion, to promote basketball shoes he proudly wears during games. The 30-year-old Denver Nuggets center is now deepening that partnership with activities beyond traditional endorsements. Amid enjoying Peking Duck and exploring local culture, Jokic took on a unique challenge by racing against a bullet train, an event that caught widespread attention online and added an entertaining dimension to his off-season activities.
Though known for his calm demeanor and understated style, Jokic mesmerized fans with his unexpected burst of speed, demonstrating that he can match the pace, metaphorically and literally, of high-velocity trains. This unexpected display underscores his ongoing drive and readiness as he prepares for future basketball seasons.
The Jokic Brothers’ Rivalry Unfolds in an Intense On-Court Duel
The most revealing part of Jokic’s trip to China came through a competitive showdown against his older brother Nemanja, age 40 and a former professional basketball player himself. Their spirited match featured sharp shooting and teasing banter, with Nemanja advising caution around three-point shots, only to be met by Nikola’s confident reply, “That’s my sweet spot.”
Nikola executed two precise shots during the game, missing only one, which he claimed was a deliberate ease-up. Nemanja, not to be outdone, defended skillfully and responded with a strong three-pointer, reflecting a sibling rivalry marked by mutual respect and competitive vigor. This encounter demonstrated the depth of basketball talent within the Jokic family, beyond the star now recognized worldwide.
Nikola’s Journey from Quiet Star to NBA Icon
Born the youngest of three brothers in Serbia, Nikola Jokic rose to NBA superstardom against understated odds. While his brothers Strahinja and Nemanja displayed more fiery athleticism, Nikola’s growth was steady and relentless, shaped by their father Branislav’s efforts to push him away from horses and onto the basketball court. His persistence has paid off with three MVP awards, proving critics wrong who once labeled him lazy.
Jokic’s gameplay often defies flashy heroics, instead reflecting resilience and tactical brilliance, especially as he carried the Denver Nuggets through challenging injury-plagued seasons. Even when the team struggled, Jokic’s leadership and skill remained a beacon, inspiring teammates and fans alike without needing the spectacle of typical superstar theatrics.
Symbolic Gifts and Moments of Joy Reflect Jokic’s Unique Off-Court Presence
Upon arriving in China last Thursday, Jokic was greeted with an unusual and symbolic gift: a horse’s head crafted from the sneakers he endorses, with shoelaces artfully arranged as the mane. The sculpture brought a rare smile to the otherwise stoic athlete’s face, capturing a softer, almost playful side seldom seen during intense NBA competitions.
As the week progressed, Jokic’s presence illuminated both the court and social media, from intense family matchups to lighthearted moments like racing a bullet train. This mix of competition and whimsy painted a vivid picture of an athlete embracing his global role with layered complexity.
Impact of Jokic’s China Tour on His Image and Future Prospects
Nikola Jokic’s China visit underlines his expanding global influence beyond basketball, blending commercial partnerships and cultural engagement with family dynamics made public. His on-court duel with Nemanja highlights the competitive spirit that has fueled his rise, while his playful race against a bullet train shows a willingness to surprise and entertain beyond the hardwood floor.
Looking ahead, this tour may signal Jokic’s intent to maintain momentum both as an NBA powerhouse and international ambassador for the sport. With the 2025–2026 season approaching, fans and analysts alike will watch to see if this renewed energy translates into further dominance on the court and more inventive promotional ventures worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money is Nikola Jokic?
A. The player, who was drafted in 2014, spent three seasons with the Denver Nuggets. In 2018, he signed a five-year contract extension valued at up to $147 million. In 2022, he agreed to a five-year supermax contract for $264 million.