Nikola Jokic Embraces the Offseason with Wild Rafting Adventure in Serbia

As the curtain falls on another intense NBA season, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has once again retreated to his homeland of Serbia — not just to rest, but to really live.

The reigning MVP, known as much for his unorthodox brilliance on the court as for his chill persona off it, was recently spotted tackling the wild rapids of the Tara River, which flows through the dramatic canyons of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Accompanied by friends, Jokic took part in a heart-pounding rafting trip, embracing the thrills of nature and proving yet again that his offseason vibe is anything but conventional.

While most NBA stars hit the gym or run scrimmages during the summer months, Jokic takes a different route — quite literally. After the Nuggets’ playoff exit, the Serbian big man turned his attention to the outdoors. Whether it’s horseback riding, dancing at local festivals, or navigating Class IV rapids, Jokic fully leans into life’s lighter side once the season ends.

Images and video clips of Jokic laughing and paddling through the whitewater quickly went viral, with fans delighting in his down-to-earth nature. The Nuggets’ front office, on the other hand, may have felt a few nervous flutters seeing their franchise cornerstone riding rapids — reportedly without a lifejacket.

Still, for Jokic, the offseason isn’t just about recovery — it’s about reconnecting. Whether it’s with his roots, his community, or simply the joy of the moment, he remains an athlete who, when he’s not dominating the paint, knows how to enjoy the ride — rapids and all.