Serbian basketball fans, rejoice. Reports suggest Nikola Jokic will likely suit up for Serbia in this summer’s EuroBasket.
Per Meridian Sport, the Serbian superstar is close to deciding whether to represent the Balkan nation at EuroBasket later this summer. According to the report, the Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP should soon accept his invitation from Svetislav Pesic, head coach of the Serbian men’s national team, with whom he spoke.
If he opts to join the Serbian national team, this summer will mark the second consecutive offseason that the best player on the planet has represented his home country in international competitions. Jokic helped Serbia to a bronze-medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Nikola Jokic expected to join Serbia for the EuroBaskethttps://t.co/vK8oK29bzi
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 14, 2025
First the Olympics, Now EuroBasket
Assuming the report’s accuracy, the Joker will look to build on his strong showing in Paris last summer in this year’s European basketball championship.
In 32.5 minutes per game at the Olympics, Jokic averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists — leading Serbia in each category. After bringing the U.S. to the brink of defeat in the semifinals, Serbia ousted the reigning world champion Germans, 93-83, to take home the bronze.
Jokic also wore Serbia’s national tricolor in the 2016 Olympic Games, the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and the 2022 EuroBasket. Serbia suffered an early exit in 2022, winning Group E before falling to Italy in a Round of 16 game in which Jokic dropped 32 points and corralled 13 rebounds.
In addition, Meridian reported that coach Pesic should be able to use the entire Paris third-place squad this summer. Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic and Milwaukee Bucks guard Vasilije Micic are expected to compete in the group stage in Riga, Latvia, with Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic set to join them.
Serbia, which hasn’t won EuroBasket gold since 2001, will play in Group A alongside Czechia, Estonia, the host Latvia, Portugal, and Türkiye. The top four teams will move on to the tournament’s knockout stage.
Jokic and Serbia begin their quest for EuroBasket glory on Aug. 27 against Estonia in the group phase. After finishing 6-0 in qualifying play and gaining a decent draw, experts anticipate this year’s as possibly “the toughest Serbian team… Ever?”
If you’re like me, you’ll be cheering for the Nuggets center and the rest of the Serbian national team to win the gold medal.
Best of luck in Latvia, Joker and Serbia!