Nikola Jokić Returns to Serbian National Team for World Cup Qualifiers

Serbian national basketball team coach Dušan Alimpijević has revealed that Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić will join the squad for both FIBA World Cup qualifying windows this summer.

This news provides a massive boost for the Serbian team ahead of crucial upcoming matches. According to Mozzart Sport, Alimpijević confirmed that Jokić will be available for both the July and August windows.

However, Serbia's other major star, Bogdan Bogdanović, is likely to miss part of the summer preparation and some national team games.

“Bogdan's situation is different. He has matters to resolve with his club, as well as some minor health issues that are being addressed. I can confirm that he will definitely miss the July window, but he will join the team for the August matches,” Alimpijević told Mozzart Sport.

Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets to a historic NBA title in the 2022/23 season. Now, his focus shifts to the international stage.

According to Telegraf.rs, Jokić himself has confirmed his participation with the Serbian national team at the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“I will play for Serbia at the World Cup,” Jokić reportedly told the media.

If this information proves true, it will mark Jokić's first major tournament with the national team since the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This news comes after the center missed EuroBasket 2022, despite participating in the tournament's qualifiers.

The Serbian national team is set to begin its preparations for the World Cup in early July.

Serbia is placed in Group B alongside South Sudan, China, and Puerto Rico. The group stage matches will be played in Manila, Philippines.