Nikola Jokic may be quiet off the court, but he’s not afraid to speak up when something doesn’t sit right with him.
During Serbia’s latest FIBA EuroBasket game, 19-year-old guard Nikola Topic walked to the bench after being subbed out and completely ignored his teammates along the sideline. No handshakes, no daps, no respect. Jokic noticed immediately and wasn’t about to let it slide.
🙌🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic didn’t like the fact that Nikola Topic didn’t high five to everybody on the bench when he was subbed and made him get up an greet all his teammates. #Eurobasket
True leadership 👏 pic.twitter.com/JIPA4mDTpq
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 16, 2025
Without hesitation, the Nuggets superstar motioned for Topic to get up and properly acknowledge his teammates. And to his credit, Topic got up, walked down the line, and made it right. It was a subtle moment, but a powerful one. It showed exactly why Jokic is more than just a generational talent: he’s the cultural anchor of any team he plays on.
Jokic, 30, isn’t your typical NBA superstar. On the court, the 3x MVP and NBA champion is an absolute beast with career averages of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He’s played 10 years for the Nuggets, and this summer, he’s extending his services to the Serbian National team at the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tournament.
The Joker is not the only one to make headlines this summer, as Luka Doncic caught everyone’s attention with his latest injury scare. Still, this short but telling moment gave us a rare glimpse into his leadership behind the scenes.
At 20 years old, Nikola Topic has yet to make a name for himself in the NBA, and he’s still learning the intricacies of being a professional basketball player. Drafted by the Thunder in 2024, he did earn some valuable championship experience, but he has yet to play a single game on the NBA court due to a torn left ACL.
Now that he’s recovered and back in action, he’s getting a true picture of proper team etiquette from one of the best players in the world. It remains to be seen how this experience will help Topic, but at least he’s learned a thing or two about being a better teammate.
As for Jokic, it’s clear that he’s more than just a stat-stuffer. He’s a true team player who understands what it means to keep a strong connection with your teammates. While he’s often viewed as quiet, stoic, or even careless, Jokic isn’t afraid to call out his peers when he sees them making mistakes.
After years of leading the Nuggets to glory, he knows how important it is to not only encourage his teammates but also maintain positive vibes on the bench and in the locker room. Apparently, his high standards even extend to Eurobasket, and it spells great news for Team Serbia.
Moments like this don’t show up in a box score, but they’re what make Nikola Jokic a once-in-a-generation leader. He doesn’t just lead with passes and points; he sets a tone that the whole team can follow. Whether it’s in Denver or with Team Serbia, his message is the same: act like a professional, respect your teammates, and hold yourself to a higher standard. If you don’t? Jokic will let you know in the quietest, most commanding way possible.
