Paris 2024 basketball: Serbia aim to go one step further after reaching World Cup final

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.