Former Nuggets Player Reveals Nikola Jokic Retirement Prediction
While Nikola Jokic has already accomplished more than most players in NBA history, the Denver Nuggets star is still just 28 years old. Still with several more prime years ahead of him, Jokic could realistically dominate the league for most of the next decade; however, his former teammate doesn't believe he will stick around that long.
During a recent podcast episode for The Ringer, former Nuggets guard Austin Rivers predicted Jokic will retire in the next 5-6 years, and will not be one of those players who hangs onto their career as long as possible.
"No chance," Rivers said when asked if Jokic will still be playing when he's 39 years old. "I have him playing another 5-6 years. Hold old is he right now? I have him playing until like [age] 34... I don't see him playing in the NBA until he's 39 years old."
Rivers shared a story about when Denver lost to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 playoffs, saying Jokic was already back home in Serbia just two days after they were eliminated. Not believing his former teammate cares at all about fame or what comes with being an NBA star, Rivers expects Jokic to hang it up around age 34 or 35.
While Jokic's game projects to age gracefully, he may not try to last as long in the NBA as he could.
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