Serbia, fresh off winning silver at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, is adding three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic to its roster for the Paris Olympics, making them a strong medal contender. However, they face a significant setback: Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic will miss the Paris Games due to a fractured ankle joint, as reported by Meridian Sport.
Jovic sustained the injury during an offseason workout. Initially, there was hope he would recover in time for the Olympics, but it now appears he will not be healthy enough to compete in France.
The 6’10” forward played 38 games for the Heat last season and showed his potential in the playoffs, averaging 9.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a starter. Jovic also averaged 10.1 points per game for Serbia at the FIBA World Cup last summer.
Serbia is in the same group stage in Paris as the United States. The two teams will play an exhibition game on July 17 in Abu Dhabi before facing off in their Olympic opener on July 28.
The USA and Serbia are favorites to advance from a group that also includes Puerto Rico and South Sudan
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