Mateusz Ponitka, a standout star for Poland at the 2025 EuroBasket, recently revealed that the Denver Nuggets extended a contract offer to him back in 2016.

At the time, the Nuggets were a young, rebuilding team featuring future MVP Nikola Jokic and rookie Jamal Murray. Ponitka was around 23 years old—an ideal age for a fresh NBA prospect.

However, Ponitka admitted that he wasn’t mentally prepared to transition to NBA life then and prioritized his commitments to his Euro team, especially in the playoffs. His decision reflected a mature perspective on personal readiness and team loyalty. 

Balancing European Success and NBA Dreams

Despite passing on the NBA offer, Ponitka’s career flourished internationally, with his recent EuroBasket 2025 performance showcasing his skill set against top-tier talent, averaging 18.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

While he later tried out the NBA via the Summer League, Ponitka found the NBA environment less appealing on a cultural level, describing it as an individual business as opposed to the teamwork and brotherhood he values in European basketball.

His journey highlights the different paths international players weigh between NBA potential and fulfilling careers in domestic and continental leagues. 

Nuggets’ Championship and Missed Opportunity

Since Ponitka’s declined offer, the Nuggets have grown into an NBA powerhouse, capturing a championship in 2023. Had Ponitka accepted the initial contract, he could have been part of the team’s ascent.

However, his path was different, focusing on steady development in European leagues. The Nuggets’ current success, with stars like Jokic leading the way, underscores how much the franchise’s landscape shifted since 2016.

While Ponitka’s NBA chapter remains unwritten, his recent EuroBasket impact and the respect he commands internationally leave the door open for a potential future NBA return, should he choose to pursue it.