In Serbia, basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a religion. With a fanbase that fills Belgrade’s 18,000-seat Stark Arena, Serbia’s passion for basketball runs deep. At the center of this fervor is Serbia’s hero, Nikola Jokic, the towering NBA star with three MVP titles and an NBA championship under his belt. However, for Jokic, the pinnacle of success remains elusive: an Olympic gold medal.
Nikola Jokic: Serbia’s Hero or Traitor?
Jokic’s journey to Paris is fraught with controversy. His decision to skip the Basketball World Cup in the Philippines last year sparked outrage. Serbia, a nation that breathes basketball, was left in shock as the team fell short against Germany in a nail-biting final. Social media erupted, with many labeling Jokic a “traitor.” It was a stark contrast to the hero’s welcome he received after leading the Denver Nuggets to NBA glory.
Serbian sports journalist Vladimir Zivanovic captured the national sentiment, stating, “The nation’s sentiment is entirely justified in believing that playing for the national team is more of a hobby for him, rather than an act of patriotism or genuine desire.”
Basketball’s roots in Serbia are profound. Fans wake at dawn to catch NBA games and engage in intense rivalries. The Olympic Games in Paris will be no exception, with Jokic’s every move scrutinized.
Jokic’s international career started with promise, earning a silver medal in Rio during the 2016 Olympics. Yet, he has since failed to secure a major international title for Serbia. The pressure is mounting as the Paris Olympics approach. Serbian national team coach Svetislav Pesic emphasized Jokic’s crucial role, saying, “Jokic’s participation certainly matters, in every sense. Both from the perspective of individual quality and from the perspective of his personality.”
Despite his media-shy nature, Jokic is straightforward about his priorities. After winning the NBA title, he famously quipped, “The job is done, we can go home now.” Away from the court, Jokic retreats to his hometown of Sombor, where he shuns the spotlight, preferring the company of family and horses.
In Sombor, he often visits his old school, inspiring young players. Social media videos show a different side of Jokic, dancing to folk music and towering over partygoers in Serbia’s vibrant nightclubs. On the court, his “jazz basketball” style, blending creativity with precision, sets him apart. His passing game, which saw him finish second in assists this year, is nothing short of remarkable.
This May, Jokic secured his third MVP title in four seasons, averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists. Yet, a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals provided a sobering end to the season. Now, with ample time to rest, Jokic is poised to lead Serbia in Paris, where they are among the favorites to medal.
The legacy of basketball in Serbia is rich, dating back to its introduction by an American Red Cross envoy a century ago. The former Yugoslavia’s government invested heavily in the sport, building courts in nearly every neighborhood. Today, the Balkans continue to produce top talent, with Jokic standing tall among the best.
As the Paris Olympics near, the pressure on Jokic to deliver is immense. Zivanovic succinctly puts it, “The expectation is certainly that he will make up for all the previous years and be the best player on the team. Otherwise, the question of his future participation will arise.”
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