Nikola Jokić is one step closer to suiting up for the Paris Olympics with the three-time NBA MVP included in Serbia’s 16-man, provisional squad.
Atlanta’s Bogdan Bogdanović, Miami’s Nikola Jović, and Charlotte’s Vasilije Micić have also been named in head coach Svetislav Pešić’s squad.
Jokić last represented Serbia at the 2022 Eurobasket and was a part of the squad that took home silver at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.
The vigours of the NBA schedule have forced Jokić to skip international play in the past but his inclusion in the squad should quash some fears that he would make himself unavailable.
The 29-year-old has won three of the past four NBA MVPs and is less than 12 months removed from winning his maiden NBA championship and Finals MVP with Denver.
Over the past four seasons, the Sombor native has averaged 26.1 ppg, 12.2 rpg, and 8.7 apg on 66.3 TS% and is widely regarded as the world’s best player.