USA Today via Reuters
Jan 14, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 14, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dubbed the “best player in the NBA right now,” speculation surrounds Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic regarding his participation in the Serbian National team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. While on the SiriusXM NBA Radio show, NBA Hall of Famer Vlade Divac shared his thoughts, “We don’t have a confirmation yet…but if he does play that would be huge…in my mind he’s the best player in the league and so it would be great great feeling for an entire nation if he’s part of the team.” With the whole country behind him, will Nikola Jokic represent Serbia at the 2024 Olympics?
“It would be a great feeling for our entire nation”
Hall of Famer, Vlade Divac, explains to @BGeltzNBA & @JumpShot8 what it would mean for their country if Jokić plays in this coming Olympics. pic.twitter.com/dmjLo7iW6O— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) March 5, 2024
According to FIBA, Serbia currently ranks 5th in the world, however, the gap between the top countries is narrower than ever right now. With veterans like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry wishing to be a part of the team, the United States would be bringing a star-laden roster to Paris.
Will the Joker answer Serbia’s call?
On February 23, 2024, Serbian Coach Pesic stated at the press conference after the Serb’s dub over Finland in the first round of EuroBasket qualifiers, “I talk to Jokić often and to everyone who wasn’t here. Nikola played more than 100 games last year, he wasn’t ready either physically or mentally. When you decide to play for the Serbian national team, only a gold medal is expected from top players. “They have to be mentally and physically ready for that, and if they’re not, they won’t be able to do it. If he’s not ready, he’d better not play.” However, he finished by saying, “I hope he’ll be ready, but it’s too early to talk about that“
The Serbian national team has its eyes set on the gold medal in Paris that is scheduled to take place from July 26, 2024 to August 11, 2024. Star player Nikola Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP, brings everything the team needs. He previously bagged a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics and joined his home team in EuroBasket 2022. However, he sat out the action in the summer of 2023 to focus on leading the Denver Nuggets to their historical NBA championship.
Serbia is one of the few teams already confirmed for the Olympics, joining the USA, France (host nation), Canada, Germany, Japan, Australia, and South Sudan. Four additional teams will be chosen through qualifying tournaments next summer. Interestingly, the USA will have a showdown with Germany, the team that ejected them and went on to win the 2023 FIBA Cup.
Jokic’s influence extends beyond the international stage. Since bagging his first NBA title last season, his popularity has skyrocketed. This year, he’s been averaging a staggering 25.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game while maintaining shooting accuracy of 58%. His contributions have taken the Denver Nuggets to a strong 41-19 record, making them tough contenders for the top seed in the upcoming playoffs. After leading his team through the playoffs, will the “Joker” represent his home team in the greatest display of sports, the Olympics? Comment your thoughts below!
