NBA MVP Nikola Jokic not joining Serbia for Olympic qualifying
Denver Nuggets star and NBA MVP Nikola Jokic announced Wednesday that he will not join the Serbian national basketball team for the Olympic qualifying tournament, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Jokic cited the need to recover after two grueling seasons in the NBA amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It's unclear if he will skip the Tokyo Games should Serbia qualify.
Jokic played in all 109 of the Nuggets' games since Aug. 1, so it's no surprise he wants to rest ahead of the 2021-22 season.
In addition to being named this year's MVP, the 26-year-old was named to the All-NBA First Team on Tuesday. It marked his third straight All-NBA selection, including a second consecutive First-Team selection.
Jokic averaged a career-high 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game this season while shooting 56.6% from the field and 38.8% from deep. His numbers were equally as impressive in the playoffs, averaging 29.8 points, 11.6 rebounds and five assists per game on 50.9% shooting from the field and 37.7% shooting from deep.
The Nuggets were swept by the Phoenix Suns in the second round, putting an end to Jokic's title dreams.
Serbia begins the qualifying tournament on June 29 in Belgrade.
More must-reads: