Nikola Peković
A bruising center from Montenegro who became the physical heart of the Minnesota Timberwolves before returning home to lead his nation's basketball federation.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Montenegrin basketball player·Birthday: January 3·Millennials
Biography
Nikola Peković's career was built on a foundation of sheer, unyielding force. Hailing from Montenegro, he first made his name in European basketball, earning a reputation as one of the continent's most dominant low-post presences with Partizan Belgrade and later Panathinaikos. His success there, including All-EuroLeague honors, paved the way for a seven-year stint in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where his physical style and soft touch around the rim made him a fan favorite. Injuries eventually curtailed his playing days, but Peković seamlessly transitioned into leadership. He now serves as the president of the Basketball Federation of Montenegro, applying the same toughness and dedication he showed on the court to steering the sport's future in his home country.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Nikola was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nikola Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Nikola's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named to the All-EuroLeague First Team twice during his tenure with Panathinaikos.
- Played seven seasons as a starting center for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Elected President of the Basketball Federation of Montenegro, overseeing the nation's basketball development.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 31st overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Peković's physical play and beard made him a cult hero among Timberwolves fans.
Before his NBA career, he won the EuroLeague championship with Panathinaikos in 2011.
“In the paint, it's not about finesse; it's about who wants it more.”
