The Jokic brothers, the older siblings of two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, have become the most famous members of the league’s NBA family. However, how much is actually known about them? Below is a deep dive into the lives of Strahinja, the elder Jokic and Nemanja, the middle brother.
On the surface, the Jokic brothers seem like your typical supportive family members. Known for their omnipresence at Jokic’s games, as well as their fiery demeanor on the sidelines, Strahinjan and Nemanja Jokic are always by their younger brother’s side. However, there is more than meets the eye as the Serbian couple are stunning individuals.
Strahinja Jokic
Born in 1982, Strahinja Jokic is the eldest of three brothers. Like his two-time MVP youngest brother Nikola Jokic, Strahinja has a penchant for basketball. In fact, he is the inspiration behind Nikola’s NBA journey.
Standing at 6’8, the Serbian native has played basketball in Europe for most of his life. Being more than a decade older than Nicolas, the future NBA All-Star was introduced to the world of hoops at a young age. As he watched his older brother compete across the continent, Nicola quickly became emboldened to pursue basketball full-time. Although, Nikola aimed to emulate Strahinja’s skills.
The older brother’s style of play parallels that of Kendrick Perkins, Nicola told Bleacher Report in 2017. “He’s not very talented,” Nicola said cheerfully. “But he hates to lose.”
With a budding star in the family, Strahinja quickly assumed the role of stalwart supporter or protector. He became popular thanks to his attendance at all of Nicola’s games, as well as his effusion on the sidelines. His animated tendencies stem from his father, who often became quite bubbly.
“Our dad is really passionate about watching games,” Nemanja Jokic said in 2017. “He screams, shouts. No one sits around him.”
Obviously, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Strahinja would punch chairs during tight ball games and even leave himself to vent his frustration.
Strahinja, however, also has a sordid past. In 2019, he was arrested on suspicion of assault. He allegedly choked after drinking and pushed a woman in his apartment. He then stopped her from leaving by pushing her. She reportedly tried to go to the balcony to call for help, but Strahinya choked her, threatening to do so “until she falls asleep.”
The woman was able to send help messages through the computer. The person he contacted called the police.
Strahinja was charged with second-degree assault, a felony and two misdemeanors, false imprisonment and obstructing telephone service. He eventually pleaded guilty in February 2020 to charges of obstructing telephone service and criminal trespass. The other charges were dismissed.
He received a suspended sentence. Therefore, he will not face any penalty as long as he follows the rules of unsupervised probation and does not commit another crime by February 3, 2022. Therefore, the criminal case against Strahinja was dismissed.
Nemanja Jokic
Nemanja Jokic, born in 1984, is the second of three brothers. He was also a basketball player growing up. Despite being the shortest of the group at 6’6, she was the first “successful” hooper of the three. Nermanian played Division I basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy. During his Titan career, he averaged 3.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
However, his athletic abilities are not limited to basketball as he is also a professional fighter. In 2019, he started his career as an MMA fighter. Although he hasn’t stepped foot in the ring recently, Nemanja boasts an undefeated record of 3-0; all of his wins are by knockout.
The Jokic brothers always have their younger brother’s back
Strahinja and Nemanja Jokic first appeared on the scene after a video surfaced in 2021 showing them having to be held back by Nuggets security. During the third quarter of Game 4 of the Suns-Nuggets series, Nikola Jokic was ejected for a 2-pointer. foul on Cameron Payne. After the incident, Suns star Devin Booker confronted the Serbian big man.
This prompted Strahinja and Nemanja to almost rush to court in defense of their younger brother. Fortunately, Denver’s safety was able to limit the Jokic brothers.
The Jokic Brothers vs. The Morris Brothers
Another notable set of NBA brothers are the Morris twins. Marcus Morris Sr., who plays for the Clippers, and Markeef Morris, who plays for the Nets, are known as some of the toughest players in the league.
The worlds collided last season when the Nuggets met the Heat in Denver. Late in the fourth quarter, as Jokic brought the ball up in transition, then-Heat forward Markeef Morris was fouled. Jokic retaliated by shoving an unsuspecting Morris in the back. While Morris was on the ground for a long time, he eventually walked to the locker room of his own volition.
Postgame, Morris’ twin brother, Marcus, took to Twitter to comment on the controversy. He said. “He waited until his brother turned his back [shaking my head]. MARKED.”
Consequently, it didn’t take long for the Jokic brothers to create a Twitter account and respond to Morris. In a since-deleted tweet, they said: “Your brother played dirty first. If you want to go further, be sure that we will wait for you.”
Morris then replied: “Mom said don’t talk on social media anymore. Well, there you have it.” The Jokic brothers responded by saying: “You believe it right.”
Markieff Morris also addressed the situation. He talked about “never” hitting a man when his back is turned and jokingly gave Jokic a 1-0 lead.
Nikola Jokic was sorry, but after the game he apologized for his behavior.
Only time will tell if the Jokic brothers will show up again to protect their younger brother. In the meantime, though, you can be sure they’re cheering Nicola on from the sidelines.