Atlanta Hawks Guard Recruited Nikola Jokic to Join FIBA World Cup
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic will not be playing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but it wasn’t due to a lack of recruiting effort from the Serbian National Team. In a recent article from Dejan Stankovic of Mozzart Sports, it was revealed that Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic was amongst those who attempted to recruit Jokic to join the team.
"[Team Serbia head coach Svetislav] Pesic and the leaders of the KSS tried to change the decision," Stankovic wrote. "In the previous days… Bogdan Bogdanovic, who was in contact with Jokic, was also involved in the operation… however, there was no turning point."
Bogdanovic is Serbia's team captain, and attempted to recruit his fellow NBA member to join the team. While Bogdanovic's efforts were unsuccessful, everyone seems to understand why Jokic is opting for the additional rest.
Having just completed one of the most dominant postseason runs in NBA history, Jokic wants to ensure he preserves his health by letting his body recover this offseason. Shouldering a historic offensive load for Denver, Jokic was heavily relied upon the entire season, and especially during the playoffs. Not physically or mentally ready to compete at a high level again so soon after winning a title, Jokic has decided to skip World Cup action this summer.
As previously mentioned, this is a decision everyone understands, even if there is disappointment.
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