As Serbia officially released its 20-man participating pool for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the reports about Nikola Jokic skipping the grand event were eventually true as the superstar big man’s name is nonexistent on the long list.
With the amount of chatter that suddenly generated from this, national team head coach Svetislav Pecic shedding clarity about the disappointing, yet understandable absence of the star big man at their side.
“With [Nikola] Jokic, we had several conversations, and I must say they were some of the best conversations I’ve had with players who couldn’t make it to the roster,” Pesic said, per Mozzart Sport. “He’s physically and mentally exhausted, not feeling ready to take responsibility at the moment.”
Jokic’s availability for the World Cup has been uncertain since winning his first-ever NBA title with the Denver Nuggets last June. From the massive carry he took for the club since 2021 when both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. were out due to their respective lengthy injuries, the reigning Finals MVP certainly needs a well-deserved break this summer as the grind of World Cup would’ve halted his rejuvenating rest.
The Athletic also relayed that an important family gathering of Jokic would collide and create conflict with the Aug. 25 – Sept. 10 schedule of the FIBA tourney.
Pesic further highlighted the absences of Vladimir Lucic, Nikola Kalinic, and Luka Mitrovic as the trio expressed their intent to seize a much-needed injury and exhaustion rest from their play on their respective teams last season. Meanwhile, he also pointed out that Vasilije Micic would be unavailable.
Per Pesic, the two-time EuroLeague MVP – who inked a three-year, $23.5MM deal this offseason with the Oklahoma City Thunder – excused himself for suiting up for their country as he is dealing with a shoulder injury.
“As for [Vasilije] Micic, we had lengthy discussions, and he requested to skip this year. After a long season, dealing with injuries and signing with Oklahoma, he was unfortunate to sustain a shoulder injury during his stay there, and now he’s in the process of recovery,” Pesic said.
And finally, Stefan Jovic (personal matter), Filip Petrusev (TBD), and Ognjen Jaramaz (injury recovery) are still uncertain to join the club. Oklahoma City Thunder big man Aleksej Pokusevski is also doubtful as he is currently undergoing rehabilitation for his shoulder injury, but his name was noticeably placed on Serbia’s preliminary list.
“[Aleksej] Pokusevski’s participation is pending permission due to his shoulder injury. He’s been receiving treatment from a specialist in Athens for the past month, and we hope to get the green light for his inclusion,” Pesic noted.
With Jokic and Micic out, Bogdan Bogdanovic takes the leadership mantle of the Serbian squad to the World Championships.
They will play in the 32nd Aegean Acropolis Tournament from Aug. 8-10, and follow it up with the FIBA Solidarity Cup (Aug. 20-21) before heading to Manila.
Serbia, who clinched the fifth-place of the 2019 World Cup, will play in Group B against South Sudan, China, and Puerto Rico in the group phase of the prestigious tilt.
