Nikola Jokic was named to Serbia's preliminary 16-player roster for the Paris Olympics.
There were questions as to whether Jokic would play for Serbia this summer.
Other NBA players named to the roster include Vasilije Micic, Nikola Jovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Aleksej Pokusevski.
Serbia open against the United States on July 28.
Nikola Jokic is undecided about playing for Serbia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Denver Nuggets center said he had to "think about it", after Denver's season ended in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Serbia's head coach, Svetislav Pesic recently called a report that Jokic had committed to playing "fake news". Pesic said that Jokic will let Serbia know "when the time comes".
Jokic last played for Serbia at 2022 EuroBasket. The three-time NBA MVP sat out of the 2023 FIBA World Cup after the Nuggets run to the NBA title.
Serbia will compete in Group C at the Olympics. Group C includes the United States, South Sudan and the winner of the Puerto Rico Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
USA Basketball has selected their women's basketball roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 12 women selected are:
The roster does not include rookie Caitlin Clark to the surprise of many. However, this team is filled with veteran talent and will be a heavy favorite to win a gold medal.
Luka Doncic was named to Slovenia's 16-player roster for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Slovenia is in Group A with New Zealand and Croatia.
NBA players are allowed to join their national teams on June 17.
South Sudan's performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup saw them qualify for the Olympics for the first time. Head coach Royal Ivey and South Sudan gave us a look at some of the players who may join them in France for the Olympics later this summer.
Bol Bol is the NBA headliner of the preliminary roster. He's a free agent this offseason, after spending last year with the Phoenix Suns.
Charlotte Hornets forward J.T. Thor will be part of the selection process, as well. NBA veteran Wenyen Gabriel, who spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies this season is also included on the list.
2023 G League MVP Carlik Jones, who was a team leader during the World Cup, is expected to play in the Olympics. Jones spent last season playing in China.
17-year-old center Khaman Maluach is also expected to again play for South Sudan. He saw 10 minutes per game at the World Cup. Maluach is committed to playing at Duke University this upcoming season, after playing for the NBA Academy Africa team the last two years.
Former NBA prospect Thon Maker was also included on the preliminary roster. After five NBA seasons, Maker has played for teams in Israel, China and Lebanon over the last three years.
Latvia released their preliminary roster for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament hosted in Riga, Latvia. That roster is headlined by Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis.
Porzingis is currently recovering from a strained right calf. He's expected to be ready for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, starting on Thursday, June 6.
The 7-foot-3 center missed the 2023 FIBA World Cup for Latvia, as he was recovering from plantar fasciitis. It's unknown if Porzingis will play for Latvia in the Qualifying Tournament in early-July, or in the Paris Olympics, should his team advance.
Latvia's roster also includes current NBA player Davis Bertans. Former NBA players Dairis Bertans, Rodions Kurucs and Anzejs Pasecniks are also on the roster.
Latvia will play in Group A against Georgia and the Philippines. The winner of Group A will advance to play either Brazil, Cameroon or Montenegro for berth in the Summer Olympics.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen will not compete for Finland this summer. Finland is set to compete in Group B of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain. Other teams in the group include the Bahamas and Poland. The winner of Group B will play Spain, Angola or Lebanon for a berth in this summer's Paris Olympics.
Markkanen is still rehabbing from a right shoulder injury suffered during last season. The Jazz star expressed disappointment at missing the Qualifying Tournament.
"Certainly, this is tough," Markkanen said. "Representing Finland and playing for the national team is an honor for me. Along with my teammates, we have been talking all season about how sweet it would be to advance to the Olympic Games."
Finland is set to host 2025 EuroBasket. Markkanen made it clear he's ready for that competition by saying, "Those dates are marked on my calendar."
Indiana Pacers star Pascal Siakam was included on Cameroon's preliminary roster for this summer's Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Cameroon will play against Brazil and Montenegro in Group B of the Latvia Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 2 through July 7.
Siakam is set to be an unrestricted free agent just ahead of the tournament starting. Reports are that the Pacers will offer Siakam a maximum contract ahead of his becoming a free agent. Under the NBA's current collective bargaining agreement, teams can negotiate with their own free agents between the end of the NBA Finals and the start of free agency on June 30.
Cameroon has also added likely 2024 NBA draftees Yves Missi of Baylor and Ulrich Chomche of the NBA Academy Africa to the preliminary roster. Missi and Chomche could both be first-round picks at the 2024 NBA Draft.
Andrew Wiggins said that he would be honored to represent Canada in the upcoming Paris Olympics this summer.
“I’d be honored to play for our country but we’ll see what happens,” said Wiggins.
Wiggins did not agree to a three-year commitment to the team in 2021 and was not on the team that qualified for the Olympics. As such, Wiggins is not guaranteed a roster spot.
Wiggins will receive a camp invite for an opportunity to fill one of three open roster spots.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will join Greece for the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, according to head coach Vassilis Spanoulis.
Greece will play the Dominican Republic and Egypt in Group B in early July.
The first- and second-place teams will advance to a single elimination semifinal round against either Croatia, Slovenia, or New Zealand.
Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury on April 9 and did not return for the playoffs.
Basketball Wiretap RSS Feed