Nikola Jokic is the best basketball player in the world at the moment, having proved his greatness by winning the Finals MVP and helping the Denver Nuggets win their first-ever NBA championship.
Jokic is one of the premium overseas superstars that have been dominating the NBA in recent years, alongside the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Luka Doncic. And many expected that he would play in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup for Serbia. But it has now been announced that he will not be participating.
“Nikola Jokic will not play for the Serbian national team at the FIBA World Cup this summer. Jokic is choosing to rest after winning the NBA Finals with the Nuggets.”
REPORT: Nikola Jokic will NOT play for the Serbian national team at the FIBA World Cup this summer.
Jokic is choosing to rest after winning the NBA Finals with the Nuggets.
(via Mozzart Sport) pic.twitter.com/JVgv6XG49G
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 23, 2023
The Nuggets and Jokic went through a long and grueling NBA season, winning 53 games and clinching the first seed in the Western Conference. They didn’t have too many tough battles during the playoffs but still had to go through the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the tenacious Miami Heat to be crowned champions.
Nikola Jokic played a total of 89 games last season and started all of them. He averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game during the regular season, acting as the focal point for his Denver Nuggets. It’s easy to see why he may need an extended break before he has to join his team in defending their title next season.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup will be hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, which is a long journey. And it begins in a month, meaning teams will start preparing for it soon. Both of these prospects sound tiring, and Jokic has decided that the endeavor is not what he needs at the moment.
Serbia Are A Significantly Lesser Threat Without Nikola Jokic
The Team USA roster was announced recently, and many felt like there was not enough star power to truly compete with the best in the world. But without Nikola Jokic, the Serbian National Team will struggle to make noise in the latter stages of the competition.
They are in a group with China, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan, and while they should make it to the knockout rounds still, this is a major blow for Serbia. it is one less serious competitor for Team USA though, who will be happy to know that Jokic won’t be available to wreak havoc in the competition.
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