There's a lot to watch at the 2024 Paris Olympics, so it can be a blur sometimes trying to keep up with all the events.
If you look too quick while watching basketball, you may mistake Nikola Jovic for Nikola Jokic. The two Serbian basketball players have just one letter different in their names, which has some fans questioning whether they're related at all.
Jokic and Jovic both play in the NBA, albeit for different teams, but share the court with the Serbian national team. They begin their quest for gold against the United States national team on Sunday, July 28.
Here was nikola jovic with nikola jokic against Greece. Who doesn't love jovic pic.twitter.com/OhrODFrGSw
— StrappedIn305 (@strapnick) July 23, 2024
Here's all you need to know about Jokic and Jovic, including if they're related.
LIVE: Follow along for live updates of USA vs. Serbia men's basketball
Is Nikola Jovic related to Nikola Jokic?
No, Jokic and Jovic aren't related, but they do have some personal connections. As mentioned, they are both Serbian and play on the men's national team.
Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, knew Jovic before the two even met. They both played for Belgrade's KK Mega Basket in Serbia, although at different times. Jokic's godfather let him know about the younger Serbian standout.
"He was playing for the same team that I played [for] back in Serbia," Jokic said in 2023.
"One of his coaches was my godfather, who worked there, and [my godfather] told me, I think the year before that [Jovic] was going to get drafted, and he was actually a really good player and a really good person who was really working hard and had the talent to be an NBA player."
The duet of Nikola Jovic and Nikola Jokic is in full flow 😍🇷🇸
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 21, 2024
pic.twitter.com/xCxbPgY0Pd
The Heat selected Jovic with the 27th pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. He's carved out a role with Miami through his two NBA seasons, starting in 38 of the 46 games he appeared in during the 2023-24 season. The forward turned 21 in June.
Jokic, on the other hand, is entering his 10th NBA season. The Nuggets selected him with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He turned 29 in February.
MORE: Ranking Team USA's biggest threats at the Paris Olympics
Nikola Jovic vs. Nikola Jokic stats
Jokic is the far superior player, having won an NBA championship and three regular season MVPs. He's considered to be one of the best players in the NBA.
| Nikola Jokic | 2023-24 NBA stats | Nikola Jovic |
| 26.4 | PPG | 7.7 |
| 12.4 | RPG | 4.2 |
| 9.0 | APG | 2.0 |
| 1.4 | SPG | 0.5 |
| 0.9 | BPG | 0.3 |
| 3.0 | TOV | 0.9 |
| 58.3% | FG% | 45.2% |
| 35.9% | 3PT% | 39.9% |
| 81.7% | FT% | 70.2% |
| 34.6 | MPG | 19.5 |
| 79 | GP | 46 |
