Despite missing out on leading the Denver Nuggets to a title defense this year, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is set to make a return to the Olympic stage after eight years. Jokic, along with Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic and Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic, has been named in Serbia’s 16-man squad for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Jokic’s Return to National Team
Nikola Jokic last represented Serbia in the 2022 EuroBasket. Over the past two years, he opted out of national team duties due to the Nuggets’ extended playoff runs. However, with Denver being eliminated in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokic is available for national duty this summer. His inclusion in the 16-man roster marks a significant boost for Serbia as they prepare for the Olympics.
Key Players in the 16-Man Squad
The Serbian roster includes several notable players:
- Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
- Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat)
- Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks)
- Vasilije Micic (Charlotte Hornets)
- Aleksej Pokusevski (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Serbia’s Group Stage Challenges
Serbia has been placed in a challenging group alongside the United States and South Sudan. An additional team will join the group later. Serbia’s first match will be a tough contest against the defending champions, Team USA.
Serbia’s Olympic History
Serbia has a proud history in Olympic basketball, having won two silver medals (not including the Yugoslav era). However, they failed to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Jokic, at the age of 21, was the youngest player on the Serbian team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He played in all eight games, starting in two, and averaged 9.1 points, 6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, boasting the highest efficiency rating on the team.
Nikola Jokic’s Performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics
| Year | Event | Games Played | Games Started | Minutes Per Game | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Steals Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Rio Olympics | 8 | 2 | 22.5 | 9.1 | 6.0 | 2.4 | 1.5 |
Conclusion
Nikola Jokic’s return to the Serbian national team adds a significant edge as they aim for a strong performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a blend of experienced stars and young talent, Serbia is poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Olympic basketball competition approaches.(Superace88)