Nikola Jokić to Compete in EuroBasket 2023
Nikola Jokić has officially announced his participation in the upcoming EuroBasket tournament, scheduled to begin on August 26 in Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia. The Serbian national team roster, unveiled via FIBA EuroBasket’s social media on Monday, features Jokić as its standout player. Joining him are fellow NBA talents, including Bogdan Bogdanović from the LA Clippers, Nikola Jović of the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards’ Tristan Vukčević, and Nikola Topić, who recently celebrated an NBA championship victory with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Serbia’s Ambitions and Competition
Serbia is aiming for the European title, and they are armed with a formidable lineup. Notably, other NBA stars have also pledged their allegiance to compete for their home countries, such as Luka Dončić representing Slovenia and Giannis Antetokounmpo for Greece, underlining the high level of competition expected at the tournament.
Jokić’s Journey and Performance
Jokić’s decision to join the national squad comes after the Denver Nuggets faced a disappointing exit in the second round of the NBA playoffs, culminating from tough seven-game series against the LA Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. During the regular season, Jokić put forth an impressive performance, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, leading the Nuggets to a 50-32 record and securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. However, the season concluded dramatically, as his coach was let go just before the playoffs, presenting an additional layer of challenge for the team.
International Experience and Future Prospects
Throughout his career, Jokić has been a significant figure for Serbia in various international competitions, having previously participated in the 2016 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the Olympics in both 2016 and 2024, and the EuroBasket tournament in 2022. While Serbian fans felt disappointed by his absence from the recent FIBA World Cup—where the team finished with a Silver medal after losing to Germany—his commitment to the EuroBasket this year has reignited hope for a gold finish.
Looking Ahead
As he enters his 11th NBA season with the Nuggets, Jokić continues to be a crucial player, currently in the second year of a lucrative five-year, $276 million contract. Despite his success, reports suggest he may not be seeking a contract extension this offseason, preferring to enjoy time with his horses during the summer. This past Sunday, he celebrated with emotional joy as his racehorse triumphed in a competition back in Serbia.
