Nikola Jokic shows off photo of his 5-year-old self wearing Nuggets gear in Serbia

The Denver Nuggets are celebrating the summer of signing Nikola Jokic.

As well they should be. The Serbian superstar is a singular basketball talent who could very well anchor the franchise’s first NBA championship — that is if the Nuggets can properly build around him.

Since the reigning two-time MVP signed the richest contract extension in NBA history last week, Nuggets social media has been hard at work marking the occasion. Thanks to his agent, they stumbled across some social media gold on Saturday.

Misko Raznatovic shared an Instagram photo of a five-year old Jokic sporting a Nuggets sweatshirt in 2000. Jokic rocked the Denver gear while hanging out in his hometown and renowned Nuggets hotbed Sombor, Serbia.

Ever since that fateful day in 2000, Jokic has developed into an NBA prospect, a second-round choice of the Nuggets, and a two-time MVP.

Who were the Denver Nuggets of 1999–2000 exactly? a 35-47 squad that placed 10th in the Western Conference at the end. They were led in scoring by Antonio McDyess (19.1 points per game), Ron Mercer (18.3 points per game), and Nick Van Exel (16.1 points per game), while Chauncey Billups, the future five-time All-Star and NBA champion, had his initial tenure in Denver ended 13 games into the season due to a shoulder injury.

Nuggets were not an international sporting powerhouse. To paraphrase Raznatovic, Jokic got the sweatshirt as a surprise gift, which is why he was wearing it that day.

What are the chances?

The Nuggets have uploaded a picture of Jokic flaunting it on Twitter since Raznatovic published the picture.

 

Because, again, of course they should. Celebrate the good times.

Now if they can only translate their good fortune into an NBA title.

 Nikola Jokic was supporting the Nuggets before it was cool. (Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)