Nikola Jokić’s EuroBasket Decision Gets Big Update

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić is expected to represent Serbia at EuroBasket 2025, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com. The Denver Nuggets star is anticipated to officially accept the invitation from head coach Svetislav Pešić after extended conversations following the Paris Olympics.

Jokić’s decision would mark his second straight summer competing internationally, following Serbia’s bronze-medal finish at the 2024 Olympics. His return is seen as a major boost for Serbia as it eyes its first EuroBasket title in over two decades.

Nikola Jokić Addressed EuroBasket Uncertainty After NBA Season

Jokić was noncommittal about EuroBasket participation following Denver’s playoff exit in May and earlier when asked by DallasHoopsJournal.com midway through last season. Speaking at his end-of-season press conference, he said he needed time before making a decision.

“I have to make a decision,” Jokić said. “I need to talk to the coaches and the key players of the national team. We’ll see, but the next few days will probably be full of beer.”

The 30-year-old also reflected on his Olympic experience with Serbia, calling it a growth moment in his career.

“I think the Olympics made me even better,” he said. “I played for my country, with other players, under different rules, and that really made me a better player.”

Jokić averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists in Paris, helping lead Serbia to a third-place finish.

Serbia Returns Core Group From Olympic Team

Head coach Svetislav Pešić has indicated that the EuroBasket roster will closely resemble the Olympic squad. In addition to Jokić, Serbia is expected to bring back NBA players Bogdan Bogdanović, Nikola Jović, and Vasilije Micić, along with veterans Aleksa Avramović, Ognjen Dobrić, Marko Gudurić, and Stefan Jović.

Jović, a silver medalist at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, is expected to be healthy and ready to return after missing the Olympics due to injury.

Serbia last won gold at EuroBasket in 2001. Despite Jokić’s dominance at EuroBasket 2022, where he averaged 21.7 points and 10.0 rebounds, the team was eliminated in the Round of 16.

EuroBasket 2025 Outlook

Serbia opens training camp on July 28 and begins EuroBasket group play on August 27 in Riga, Latvia. In its first game, Serbia will face Czechia. Group A also includes Latvia, Portugal, Estonia, and Turkey.

With Jokić expected to lead a healthy and experienced roster, Serbia enters the tournament as one of the leading contenders for the title. Other top challengers include France, Germany, Spain, and Greece.

The tournament runs from August 27 to September 14.