There’s a lot at stake for Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets this season, but it feels like those stakes are even a bit higher after Serbia’s stunning exit from the EuroBasket tournament. Jokic’s home country was favored to win the European Championships, but the team suffered some tough injury luck and was upset by Finland in the round of 16.
It was an incredibly disappointing result, and one that Jokic likely won’t get over any time soon. This was a real chance for Serbia to win a major international tournament in what would have been a crowning achievement for Jokic.
This was supposed to be an incredible moment for Jokic and the whole country, which would have been an incredible way to lead right into the NBA season, but instead, it ended in heartbreak.
Seeing European stars thriving should inspire Jokic
As frustrating and upsetting as the tournament was for Jokic and Serbia, perhaps it’s actually good news for Nuggets fans. Knowing how competitive and proud Jokic is, he has to be devastated and beside himself with this loss.
Although it’s hardly his fault, Jokic will blame himself and feel like he let his countrymen down. Watching Germany, Finland, Turkey, and Greece battle for European supremacy, and seeing his NBA rivals like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Franz Wagner, Alperen Sengun, Lauri Markkanen leading their countries must be driving Jokic nuts.
Jokic will use loss as motivation for NBA season
The one positive spin here is that it may actually motivate Jokic even more. He has a sour taste in his mouth and will come into training camp with a chip on his shoulder. He couldn’t lead his country to a title, so now he’ll have to take his anger out on the NBA.
Dominating the league again and leading the Nuggets to a championship would be one hell of a consolation prize. EuroBasket is one thing, as Jokic is more or less “stuck” with other Serbians, and the team is grounded by those limitations.
But that won’t be the problem in Denver as the front office has revamped the roster and added plenty of depth around the Joker. He should be happy to have reinforcements in tow and should be able to focus his energy more efficiently this season.
Nuggets fans never want to see Jokic lose, especially in disappointing fashion like this. But if it fuels his fire and vaults him to another incredible season that ends in another NBA Finals win, this EuroBasket tournament will be water under the bridge.