Nikola Jokic's Brother Enters Not Guilty Plea in Assault Case from NBA Playoff Game Clash

Strahinja Jokic, the older brother of NBA star Nikola Jokic, has recently entered a plea of not guilty in response to an assault charge linked to a highly publicized altercation with a fan during a Denver Nuggets game last April. The incident, which gained widespread attention, occurred during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena.

According to reports, Strahinja Jokic's court appearance on Monday, January 6, marked the plea of not guilty, with a subsequent court date scheduled for March. There is a possibility that the case might proceed to trial in April, as reported by local news outlet 9News.

TMZ was among the first to report on the legal developments, highlighting that Strahinja, who is known for frequently attending his brother's NBA games, was charged with misdemeanor assault. The altercation captured on video depicted Strahinja climbing over seats before allegedly striking another fan, prompting the victim to momentarily stagger backward. The footage also shows Strahinja continuing to engage with the individual as he walks away.

Notably, Strahinja Jokic has been a familiar face at his brother Nikola's games, even joining in the celebrations following the Denver Nuggets' NBA Championship win in 2023. The Jokic brothers, including Nemanja, have a shared background in professional basketball, having all played in their native Serbia.

Following the incident, the Denver Police Department initially revealed that the fan involved had not immediately expressed intent to press charges. However, a subsequent change of heart came in early May after the individual sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a concussion. The victim, who had sustained visible injuries near his left eye, informed authorities that the altercation with Strahinja was unprovoked.