The Denver Nuggets recently faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers. While the highlight of the night was LeBron James finally accomplishing his 40,000 points feat, the Nuggets did not let that historical moment affect their performance. With Nikola Jokić leading the charge, the team ended up defeating their rivals by a score of 124-114 and managed to maintain their position on the Points table. Jokic himself pulled off an impressive score of 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.

In the aftermath of the game, the Joker took some time out to greet an old friend. Fans on social media got a glimpse as Jokic approached the courtside seats to greet and share a hug with Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. Jokic also shared an embrace with former Lakers player Vlade Divac. Whether the latter had come to cheer on his former team or the Serbian NBA champion, we may never know unless he chooses to tell us.

A moment of national pride was certainly felt amongst Serbian fans as they saw three prominent athletes of Slavic origin sharing a frame together. The friendship shared between Jokic and Djokovic is no secret amongst NBA fans. The fact that both of them originated from former Yugoslavia, got into their respective sports quite early on and eventually managed to secure the ultimate titles in their leagues may have helped them to form a bond on mutual grounds. Djokovic has gone on to call the NBA player “the pride of Serbia”, while Jokic has called the tennis legend the “Serbian ambassador”. If that is not a proof of the admiration shared between the duo, then nothing else can be more convincing.

While many are aware of the bond between Jokic and Djokovic, they have not be able to make a connection between the NBA player and Vlade Divac. The latter, however, has had his own share of praise showered over Nikola Jokic at one point of time.

Vlade Divac once claimed that if anyone “deserves” to win a NBA ring, it’s Nikola Jokic

Back in May 2023, Vlade Divac made a visit to an elementary school. It was the same time period when the Nuggets were preparing to face off against the Miami Heat at the 2023 NBA Finals. While commenting on the state of Balcan players in the NBA, Divac also spoke about the then finals and sang Nikola Jokic’s praise for everyone to hear.

“Why can’t he get a ring? If anyone deserves it, it’s Jokic,” said Divac. The former Lakers player also highlighted that Joker “raised the bar” for all the players who came before him and those who would come after him.

“Our basketball players come from an advanced school basketball. Nikola is ours and it’s wonderful to watch him and we hope to win the title this year as well,” said Divac.

USA Today via Reuters

Whether it was the former player’s blessing or not, Jokic ended up delivering for his team during the finals and claim the championship ring for the Nuggets and for himself.