Nikola Jokić, one of the biggest stars in basketball, recently spoke to the Denver Post about the athletes who inspired him on his journey to the top of the NBA.
Among names from various sports, one stood out to water polo fans—Dušan Mandić. The Serbian water polo star, who has dominated the sport for years, shares a special connection with Jokić that dates back to their early Olympic experiences.
Who is Nikola Jokić?
For those unfamiliar with the name, Jokić is one of the most dominant basketball players of his generation. The Serbian center, known for his incredible vision, passing ability, and unique style of play, has revolutionized the center position in the NBA. Playing for the Denver Nuggets, he has won multiple MVP awards and led his team to an NBA championship in 2023. Jokić’s ability to control a game with his intelligence and creativity has drawn comparisons to great playmakers in various sports—including water polo.
Jokić and Mandić: A Friendship Born at the Olympics
When Jokić traveled to Rio de Janeiro in 2016 for his first Olympic Games, he was the youngest player on Serbia’s basketball squad. Still years away from superstardom, he met another rising Serbian athlete—Dušan Mandić, who was one of the youngest members of Serbia’s water polo team. The two struck up an immediate bond in the Olympic Village, often escaping their national team obligations to spend downtime together. Much of that time, according to Mandić, was spent playing Pro Evolution Soccer on a PlayStation 4 in his apartment.
“He was by far the best on PS4,” Mandić admitted, recalling the friendly rivalry. But beyond gaming, their friendship grew into mutual admiration for each other’s sporting journeys.
Parallels in Their Sporting Success
While Jokić has ascended to the very top of the NBA, Mandić has become one of water polo’s greatest athletes. Serbia won Olympic gold in 2016, repeated the feat in Tokyo, and then again in Paris 2024, where Mandić led all scorers with 26 goals.
“He’s the best player in the world right now,” Jokić said of Mandić.
Both players have been crucial in elevating their respective sports. Just as Jokić’s unorthodox playing style has reshaped the way centers play in the NBA, Mandić’s powerful shooting and leadership have solidified him as one of the defining figures in modern water polo. Both men have carried Serbian sports on their shoulders, leading their national teams to global success.
Why Jokić Appreciates Water Polo—and Mandić
Despite his well-documented love for horse racing, water polo is another sport that intrigues Jokić. In 2020, The New York Times described him as “the water polo world’s favorite basketball player.” His uncanny ability to throw one-handed outlet passes—often without lowering the ball after securing a rebound—mirrors the fluid passing style seen in elite water polo players. It’s as if Jokić is treading imaginary water, keeping his arm above the surface while scanning the court.
“I think that he learned everything from water polo and that he chose the wrong sport to play,” Mandić joked. “These one-handed passes for sure have similarities. But the way he plays is so unique and genuine. It seems that everyone else plays basketball, but he is playing on a whole different level.”
Beyond technique, Mandić believes they share a deep-rooted Serbian resilience, a word that reflects their unwavering determination and will to win.
“We both have Serbian resilience,” Mandić explained. “He is dominating with resilience.”
A Global Superstar with a Passion for Water Polo
The fact that one of the biggest athletes in the world follows water polo—especially Mandić—is significant. Water polo, despite being one of the most physically demanding team sports, often struggles for mainstream recognition. Yet, Jokić, a global sports icon, has consistently praised Mandić’s achievements, bringing attention to Serbia’s water polo dominance on the world stage.
Both athletes have carved out legendary careers in their respective sports, but their bond—formed over video games, competition, and a shared Serbian spirit—remains strong. In Jokić’s world, basketball may reign supreme, but water polo, and the brilliance of Dušan Mandić, will always have a special place.
The content of this article is based on an original publication by The Denver Post, with additional contributions from Ferencvárosi Torna Club.