There has been some speculation that Nikola Jokic’s growing enthusiasm for training racehorses could lead him to retire from the NBA earlier than expected.
However, Troy Renck of The Denver Post offers a different perspective, suggesting that this passion might encourage the Serbian big man to continue playing at a high level for many more years.
Recently, Jokic’s emotional reaction following one of his horses’ victories captured attention, showing a level of passion and excitement even more intense than when he helped lead the Denver Nuggets to the NBA championship in 2023.
A video shared on Twitter showcased the Nuggets star overcome with joy and pride after the race, highlighting just how much the equestrian pursuit means to him.
Despite this heartfelt connection to horse racing, Renck points out that the financial rewards in Serbian horse racing are relatively modest.
This economic reality makes it unlikely that Jokic would leave his lucrative NBA career behind solely to focus on his stable.
Instead, it’s expected that the superstar center will continue to compete at the highest level in basketball, not only because of his love for the game but also to support and fund his horse training ventures.
In essence, rather than detracting from his NBA career, Jokic’s dedication to horse racing may serve as added motivation, providing a personal outlet while he maintains his status as one of basketball’s premier talents.
Northwest Notes: Holiday, Jokic, Shannon, Westbrook https://t.co/ReiMt1kipw pic.twitter.com/WXWTDBDdQQ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) August 3, 2025
