Serbia's men's basketball team has been an ever-present force on the international stage for the past three decades, winning medals at the Olympic Games (silver at Atlanta 1996 & Rio 2016), EuroBasket (gold in 1995, 1997, and 2001; silver in 2009 and 2017; bronze in 1999) and FIBA World Cup (gold in 1998 and 2002, silver in 2014 and 2023).
After failing to qualify for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in 2021, the Eagles stormed back to form at the FIBA World Cup 2023, reaching the final for the first time since 2014. Though they would fall to Germany 83-77 in the gold medal game, by reaching that stage Serbia qualified for Olympic Games Paris 2024 as one of the two best-ranked teams from Europe in the competition.
Serbia's experience at the World Cup will no doubt serve them well as they seek a first Olympic medal in 2016, though their chances of reaching the podium—and even winning gold—could hinge on the presence of arguably the best basketball player in the world.
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Serbia players, coaches and team officials pose with their silver medals after the FIBA Basketball World Cup Final loss to Germany at Mall of Asia Arena on September 10, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. Germany won 83-77.
Will Nikola Jokic play at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
At the World Cup, Serbia proved that they can win without Nikoka Jokic — but it sure would be helpful to have a three-time NBA MVP take to the court when they face the reigning Olympic champions USA in their first group game at Paris 2024 on 28 July.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets poses with the Michael Jordan MVP trophy.
Jokic and the Denver Nuggets were unable to defend their NBA title in the 2024 playoffs, bowing out in the conference semi-finals after a 4-3 series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Following the loss, Jokic was asked about his plans to play for Serbia at Paris 2024—but the 29-year-old remained non-committal with his response.
“I don’t know, my friend, we will see,” Jokic said on 20 May. “I need to think about it.”
Jokic helped lead Serbia to the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and most recently played for the national team at EuroBasket 2022 and the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
No Jokic, no problem?
Jokic's possible absence at the Games would be a blow for Serbia, but there is more than enough talent within the squad — and on the sideline — to make up for it.
For starters, the Eagles can call upon the services of their other NBA stars in Bogdan Bogdanović and Nikola Jović. Nikola Milutinov was arguably the best center at the World Cup, leading the entire tournament in double-doubles with 4. He also had the ninth-highest per game rebound average (8.4) and only failed to score in double figures in two games. Then there are the veterans in Vladimir Lucic, Nikola Kalinic and Nemanja Nedovic, seasoned professionals who help to round out a balanced and proven roster.
Guiding the Serbian ship is coach Svetislav "Kari" Pešić, a man who has coached at the highest level since 1982 and has the silverware to show for it. Pešić's achievements merit an article in their own right, but among the extensive list is a FIBA World Cup gold medal (2002), two FIBA EuroBasket gold medals (1993, 2001), EuroLeague gold medal (2003), and enshrinement into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
📺 Serbia put on a masterful all-around performance to knock off Canada and punch the first ticket to the Final!#FIBAWC x #WinForSrbija 🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/MtfU7Syff6
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
This is a group that made it to the gold medal game at the World Cup without their best player, so who's to say they can't reach the same stage again in Paris? If and when Jokic does commit to play at the Games, then the conversation shifts entirely. Until we get a definitive answer on 'the Joker's' plans, Serbia remain a dangerous team who have a good — if not strong — chance to medal at the Olympics.
Serbia's group at Paris 2024
Serbia has been drawn into Group C along with 16-time champions USA, Olympic debutants South Sudan, and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) Puerto Rico. The countries competing in that OQT are Bahrain, Côte d’Ivoire, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
Serbia Group Phase Games
vs USA (July 28)
vs Winner OQT Puerto Rico (July 31)
vs South Sudan (August 3)
