Luka Doncic has dominated the NBA since joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. Leading the team to the Western Conference Finals and the NBA Finals, he’s solidified his place among the league’s elite. Yet, despite his on-court success, Dončić is already contemplating life after basketball. Surprisingly, his vision for the future involves a peaceful life on a farm in his native Slovenia.
Luka Dončić’s Retirement Plans Mirror Nikola Jokić’s Dream
Luka spends a day at the farm back home in Slovenia! 🇸🇮🌾🚜 pic.twitter.com/8LX9WZvX95
— NBA (@NBA) August 27, 2024
Recently, a video of Dončić enjoying farm life in Slovenia went viral. It showed him riding tractors and mingling with cows and horses.
“You know, it’s just beautiful. You can make food and see the landscape too. It’s very beautiful, very peaceful,” Dončić remarked, revealing his deep affection for the simple, rural lifestyle.
In 2023, Luka Doncic was asked if he would pursue the all-time points record. Instead, he responded in a way that showed he was already thinking about retirement. Dončić emphasized that he had no interest in chasing records or playing as long as LeBron James.
“I don’t know about 20 years,” Luka Doncic admitted. “That’s a long time to play basketball. I’d rather go back to my farm in Slovenia.”
Luka Doncic’s sentiments echo those of another NBA superstar, Nikola Jokic. The Denver Nuggets’ MVP is equally enamored with a quiet life, particularly his love for horses and ranches in Serbia. Jokić, who spends much of his offseason in Serbia, immerses himself in the world of horses. He often speaks about the joy and peace he finds in this lifestyle. When asked about the number of horses he owns, Jokić casually replied,
“Right now, like, 7, 8… Uhh, 10, 12.”
Despite his on-court achievements, Jokić’s heart remains firmly rooted in the Serbian countryside. There, he finds solace away from the pressures of NBA stardom.
The Un-American American Dream
The parallel between Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic is striking. Both players, despite their youth and prominence, are drawn to a life valuing simplicity and nature over fame and fortune. Their aspirations to return to their roots after basketball contrast with the typical American sports stars, who often gravitate toward big cities or urban areas. In a sense, Dončić and Jokić’s dreams mirror the rural ideal cherished by many in the Southern and Midwestern United States. Yet, their vision also diverges from the ostentatious lifestyles often associated with American athletes.
Post-Retirement Team-Up?
As the NBA season looms, fans wonder if Dončić and Jokić will ever team up on the court. Even if that dream doesn’t materialize, there’s another intriguing possibility. Given their shared love for rural life and their deep connection to their homelands, it’s easy to imagine Dončić and Jokić regularly connecting in their retirement. Perhaps they will collaborate on a farm or ranch in the Balkan region, living out their days in tranquility.
In the end, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic’s post-basketball plans reveal a side of them that is as grounded as it is inspiring. While their peers may pursue luxury and attention, Dončić and Jokić seem content with the idea of returning to their roots, finding peace in the simple joys of life. Whether or not they ever, share the court again, their bond and shared vision suggest a lasting connection that will endure long after their playing days are over.
