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Nikola Jokic to miss 2023 FIBA World Cup: report

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<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Nikola Jokic of Serbia reacts during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 round of 16 match between Serbia and Italy at EuroBasket Arena in Berlin, Germany, September 11, 2022. Filip Singer, EPA-EFE/File." src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2023/sports/07/24/072423_fiba_srb-nikola-jokic_epa.jpg"/><figcaption>Nikola Jokic of Serbia reacts during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 round of 16 match between Serbia and Italy at EuroBasket Arena in Berlin, Germany, September 11, 2022. <em>Filip Singer, EPA-EFE/File</em>.</figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA — Recently crowned NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic will be missing the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.</p><p>As per a report by <a href="https://www.mozzartsport.com/kosarka/vesti/obistinile-se-crne-slutnje-srbija-bez-jokica-na-mundobasketu/457142">Mozzart Sports</a>, the two-time NBA MVP was convinced to play by Serbian head coach Svetislav Pesic and teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic, but Jokic opted to decline as he prioritizes rest after an eventful 2022-2023 championship season with the Denver Nuggets.</p><p>Jokic previously played together alongside Bogdanovic during the 2019 FIBA World Cup, finishing with a 6-2 record which was good for fifth place.</p><p>His absence will pose a challenge to Serbia who are joined by China, South Sudan and Puerto Rico in Group B, and are set to play their Group stage games at the Araneta Coliseum.</p><p>&#x27;The Joker&#x27; last suited up for Serbia during the Eurobasket and the European Qualifiers.</p><p>During the World Cup qualifiers, Jokic put up averages of 26.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in two games.</p><p>Aside from the 6-foot-11 Serbian, San Antonio Spurs&#x27; prized rookie Victor Wembenyama and LA Lakers forward Rui Hachimura will also miss the World Cup in August. Milwaukee&#x27;s Giannis Antetokounmpo&#x27;s participation in the tournament is also in doubt after recently undergoing surgery.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/27/23/wembanyama-hachimura-to-skip-fiba-world-cup">Victor Wembanyama, Rui Hachimura to skip FIBA World Cup</a></li>	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/06/23/giannis-undergoes-surgery-fiba-world-cup-in-doubt">Giannis undergoes surgery, FIBA World Cup in doubt</a></li></ul><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=2650216" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more News on <a href="https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/browse/Genres/News/tag_id_genres/id_news" target="_blank">iWantTFC</a></div>

Recently crowned NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic will be missing the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.