In December, long-time level guard Goran Dragic introduced his retirement from the NBA after 15 seasons with seven franchises. On Saturday, Dragic took the court docket for one final time throughout a farewell recreation in his native Slovenia that was full of present and former stars. 

Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic was a kind of who took half, and the three-time MVP placed on a present for the followers. In shock trend, it got here by way of a dunk, one which he arrange himself. As a substitute of aiding a teammate, Jokic threw himself an alley-oop off the backboard, a lot to everybody’s delight. 

Jokic is many issues, however a excessive flyer will not be one in every of them. His 17 dunks in 79 video games final season have been tied for 182nd within the league, and behind the likes of Trey Jemison, Anthony Black and teammate Christian Braun. On practically all of them, Jokic barely acquired above the rim. 

When he actually must, although, Jokic can stand up there. And apparently Dragic’s tribute recreation was a kind of occasions. The alley-oop wasn’t the one enjoyable Jokic was having on Saturday. He additionally pranked Luka Doncic by pouring water on him throughout a timeout, danced with Boban Marjanovic and hit a one-legged 3-pointer. 

All informed, this has been an thrilling summer time for Jokic. Only a few weeks in the past, he practically led Serbia to a historic upset of Staff USA within the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, then bounced again to safe a bronze medal. Afterwards, he partied for what appeared like days along with his Serbian teammates. 

Quickly, it is going to be time for Jokic to show his consideration again to the Nuggets. Media day for the workforce is strictly one month away, after which it is going to be off to Abu Dhabi for a pair of exhibition video games in opposition to the defending champion Boston Celtics. Their common season marketing campaign will start on Oct. 24 versus the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.