Nikola Jokic Reveals Reason for Skipping FIBA World Cup

During a recent interview with Mozzart Sport, Serbia's FIBA World Cup head coach Svetislav Pesic revealed details of his conversation with Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic about the reigning Finals MVP not participating in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. According to Pesic, Jokic revealed his reason for skipping the World Cup to be overall fatigue, both physically and mentally.

"With [Nikola] Jokic, we had several conversations, and I must say they were some of the best conversations I've had with players who couldn't make it to the roster," Pesic told Mozzart Sport (translated by BasketNews). "He's physically and mentally exhausted, not feeling ready to take responsibility at the moment."

It makes complete sense why Jokic would be fatigued right now. Having just completed a historic playoff run, the Nuggets star needs some time to rest. While World Cup action is both meaningful and exciting, Jokic understands the level that Serbia would need him to play at, and feels he is not ready mentally or physically to compete at that level.

From his interview with Mozzart Sport, it sounded as if coach Pesic understood why Jokic felt this way, and it also sounded as if the two had very good dialogue about it. While this is undoubtedly a big hit to Serbia's team, they certainly have to understand why Jokic needs time to rest and recover right now after his great playoff run.

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