In the world of basketball, every game is a test of skill and team spirit. And for the Serbian men's basketball team, the 2023 Men's Basketball World Cup is undoubtedly a special challenge. Why is this team, which has won many great results in the international arena, missing many key players in this World Cup?
The number one star of the Serbian men's basketball team, Nikola Jokic, decided not to participate in the World Cup because he was mentally and physically unprepared. Jokic recently led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship and won the Finals MVP, but needed more rest and gave up the game. The absence of the two-time regular season MVP has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the strength of the Serbian men's basketball team.
In addition to Jokic, several other key players also missed this World Cup for different reasons. Players such as Vasilye Misić, Nikola Kalinic, Vladimir Lučić and Nemanja Bjelica were not included in the 20-man squad. Among them, Micic has just signed a three-year contract with the Thunder, while Lucic and Bjelica are out due to injury. The absence of these players has greatly weakened the Serbian men's basketball team's squad in the World Cup.
In addition, the Thunder's 21-year-old rising star Pokusevski himself wants to play and make his national team debut. However, due to a hand injury in May, he has been in recuperation mode for a long time since then. According to Serbian magazine Sportski Zurnal, Pokusevski will not be able to participate in the men's World Cup as a result of waiting until August to get medical clearance to practice with the ball.
Despite the absence of key players, the Serbian men's basketball team is still a team to be reckoned with. The latest 14-man roster is led by captain Bogdan Bogdanovic, who has been extremely impressive on the international stage, even outperforming Jokic in a number of moments. Bogdan Bogdanovic played for the Hawks last season and averaged 14 points per game1 rebound 28 assists 08 steals, 3-point shooting percentage as high as 406%, the second-highest record in a single season in his career.
The Serbian men's basketball team had a poor performance in the World Preliminary Stage, with only a 6-4 record and became the last team to enter the round of 32 of the Men's Basketball World Cup. However, in the last Men's Basketball World Cup, they finished fifth and performed well. In this year's Men's Basketball World Cup, although the Serbian men's basketball team lacks the core Jokic, it is still the strongest opponent of the Chinese men's basketball team in the same group.
In general, the Serbian men's basketball team is missing a number of key players in this World Cup, which is a big test of their overall strength and game performance. But at the same time, it also provides an opportunity for other players to show themselves. Regardless of the outcome, the spirit and love of the Serbian men's basketball team will continue to inspire every player and fan.