No Nikola Jokic in FIBA World Cup? Fans show maturity, disappointment over report

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic would undoubtedly be one of the main attractions should he play for Serbia in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Along with the NBA talent-laden Team USA and the Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Joker is definitely one of the players that Filipino fans are most excited to see in the Philippines’ staging of the global hoops summit.

Basketball heads around the globe as well are eager to see Jokic attempt to add another milestone to his already illustrious year. Winning the NBA title and the FIBA World Cup trophy in a span of few months certainly makes for a good story.

Hold your horses, though. According to Dejan Stankovic of Mozzart Sport, the two-time NBA MVP has informed Serbian national team coach Svetislav Pesic that he will be taking a break. In Jokic’s defense, he may really need to rest his body after going through an exhausting schedule, wherein he played in the EuroBasket last summer before leading the Nuggets to an NBA championship run.

Twitter user Hunter Wynn understands why Nikola would want to rest up.

Ah bummer. I understand though. Coming off of an NBA ring. He probably wants to relax and freshen up for the upcoming season.

— Hunter Wynn ?? (@WynningTD) July 23, 2023

Joker fan Brian Yates agrees.

“Thank you, he needs his rest.”

Thank you,he needs his rest

— Brian Yates (@POSTALBRIAN) July 23, 2023

That said, fans can’t be blamed if they’re bummed out by the Joker’s decision, just like Serbian netizen @SportsNazgul.

“I’m hoping this is a “joke” but is Jokic seriously not going to play for Serbia?” He tweeted.

Im hoping this is a “joke” but is Jokic seriously not going to play for Serbia ?
Luka and Giannis will play but Jokic not ???

— The Nazgul Of Sports (@SportsNazgul) July 23, 2023

Twitter user @Igor sent out a tweet that's dripping with sarcasm.

“What a Patriot,” he wrote.

What a Patriot.

— @Igor (@Rogigor69) July 23, 2023

Netizen Aeron Joseph spoke in behalf of Filipino hoop fans.

“Bad news for Philippine fans,” posted @aero3030.

bad news for Philippine Fans 😥

— Aeron Joseph (@aer3030) July 23, 2023

With Jokic still not heard on record that he is indeed skipping the FIBA World Cup, some fans may opt to take the optimistic route and still hope for the best. The same mindset could go for Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has yet to confirm with finality if he is indeed joining the global spectacle. Japan's star Rui Hachimura, on the other hand, has already begged off.

Fans better start their prayer circles now. 

(GM)