OKLAHOMA CITY (USA) - Will three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic don the national team jersey at FIBA EuroBasket 2025?
After a bruising Play-Off run with the Denver Nuggets, the Serbia star is taking a moment to breathe – and maybe have a beer or two – before making a decision that will have the attention of an entire nation.
"I need to talk to the coaches and the key players of the national team."
"I have to make a decision," Jokic said during his end-of-season media availability. "I need to talk to the coaches and the key players of the national team. We'll see, but the next few days will probably be full of beer."
Jokic had a stellar 2024-25 campaign in the NBA, averaging a triple-double of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists, but his Play-Off run was cut short by a rising Oklahoma City Thunder team in a close-fought seven-game series.
What might give Serbia fans optimism for the summer ahead is how glowingly the 30-year-old superstar spoke about his experience with the national team at 2024 Olympic Games, where he helped lead his nation to a bronze medal.
"I think the Olympics made me even better," said Jokic. "I played for my country, with other players, under different rules, and that really made me a better player."
One of the main title favorites at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Serbia have been drawn in Group A for the Group Phase alongside the national teams of Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Portugal and Türkiye.
The event will take place from August 27 to September 14, 2025.
FIBA