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Reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic will reportedly miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup next month. Jokic wants to rest after a long season that started with the 2022 EuroBasket and ended with the NBA Finals.
According to Mozzart Sport (h/t EuroHoops), Jokic won't be part of Serbia's team for next month's World Cup. Coach Svetislav Pesic and captain Bogdan Bogdanovic tried to persuade the two-time NBA MVP but to no avail.
Jokic played 69 regular season games and 20 playoff games last campaign, which ended with his first NBA championship. He played heavy minutes, especially in the postseason, as some games were pretty close. If the Denver Nuggets want to repeat as champions, they will need a well-rested Jokic.
Nikola Jokic is also not the only top player for Serbia set to miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines. Nikola Kalinic of FC Barcelona and Vasilije Maric are also not participating in the tournament. Micic recently signed with the OKC Thunder and could be focusing on his transition to the NBA.
Serbia is set to announce its roster soon. Bogdan Bogdanovic will also be introduced as the new captain of the team.
With Jokic out of the tournament and Giannis Antetokounmpo doubtful to join, the European star power for the 2023 FIBA World Cup is depleted. Domantas Sabonis is also out for Lithuania, but Luka Doncic is expected to play for Slovenia.
Serbia's preparation for 2023 FIBA World Cup
After a lackluster finish at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Serbia is looking to improve at this year's tournament. However, they will have to do it without some of their best players like Nikola Jokic, Nikola Kalinic and Vasilije Maric.
Serbia will start their preparation on Aug. 1 in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina. They then face Poland two days later before taking on Montenegro on Aug. 5. They also travel to Athens to face Greece and Italy as part of the Acropolis tournament.
Before the start of the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Aug. 25, Serbia face Puerto Rico on Aug. 15. They are drawn in Group B with South Sudan, Puerto Rico and China. They play their group games at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Metro Manila.
