Why Luka Never Skips FIBA Tournaments

[@BasketNews_com]

Do you think more NBA stars should follow Luka's example? 🤔 Let us know in the comments below ✍ If you enjoyed the video, help us grow by hitting the like button & subscribing to our channel! 🙌 For more content like this visit: basketnews.com Lastly, don't forget to follow us on social media: Twitter: twitter.com/basketnews_com/ Instagram: instagram.com/basketnews/ Inquiries for partnership: [e-mail]

[@joebo1072]

You missed Dirk Nowitzki. He made everything for Germany even when he was not able to walk anymore :D

[@BasketNews_com]

Oh yeah, definitely worth a mention!

[@gambitacio]

Didn’t Pau Gasol also give everything to Spain too?

[@joebo1072]

I just said they missed dirk. Paul for sure the same.@@gambitacio

[@BasketNews_com]

Btw, all 3 are power forwards. Coincidence? I don't think so 😂

[@gambitacio]

@@joebo1072 My bad. I just blanked for a second. I thought he didn’t mention Pau because Dirk was obvious. But yeah, he should’ve mentioned Dirk. Those 2000s teams really did launch international basketball and I’m starting to lean towards it more because the NBA is becoming too repetitive and sterilized.

[@lordjayvideos]

You missed guys like Patty Mills & Joe Ingles for Australia. Played for the national team for 14+ years.

[@theoneonly259]

They dont care about non-Euro international players unless they can pretend they are European - like Scola. It would be difficult to pass Patty off as being a soft and slow European.

[@lordjayvideos]

@@theoneonly259 I understand the channel is very euro-centric but if you’re going to talk world basketball they should also mention successful & highly ranked nations such as Australia & it’s players, some of whom also play (or played previously) in Europe.

[@georgemarco11]

@@lordjayvideos i think european fans have a lot of respect for australian bball and for sure one reason is that many guys played here, the bond with a player you know and like his game.but me personally, i would enjoy a win against usa let's say ( cocky teams that don't respect the competition), like it was any european team. and that goes for other international teams also. (and believe it or not patty the aboriginal guy has become my favorite ausie player!!)

[@und3rcut535]

@@theoneonly259 This was not a well put video they even forgot about Dirk Nowitcki so not the best one they made.

[@theoneonly259]

@@und3rcut535 Well its a good topic. And I guess they cant cover everyone. Im sure that the channel has respect for Dirks play for Germany. He is European after all. Ha Luka is a pretty high bar though. From an Australian perspective - I am thankful that our best players make themselves available for the World Cup. Playing Eurobasket on top of World Championships and Olympics as well as NBA seasons does seem like a lot. The top Australian players do not play in the Asian Games of course. Or the Commonwealth games. Ha. I wonder if European fans see the Eurobasket thing as important as the World Cup. Which one they would prefer a guy like Luka to miss in the name of load management. Is Eurobasket more important than Eurovision? Ha. Seems pretty important.

[@juliencamus3523]

You missed our legendary french captain Tony Parker. The guy has played every FIBA tournament and never missed one in his long carrer, chasing a title for France. Due to our spanish neighbours dominance (probably the best team in european basketball history), it took him his whole national carrer to give France a European championship in 2013. Really nice video, keep on the good work

[@BasketNews_com]

I couldn't mention everyone but TP is up there for sure!

[@llmakaveli5253]

2005😂😂🎉🎉🎉

[@MYukik]

Moreover, Tony was playing every year for contention deep in the playoff

[@srb-hr1ru]

Well, as a Serbian, on the one hand, I can understand him. He played in the European Championship with the national team, the preparatory tournament before the European Championship, before the NBA season, and then another 60-65 in the regular season and after the playoffs until the title itself, that's really a lot and I understand that he will vacation and to spend more time with his family, but on the other hand, brother, you play for the country, for the nation

[@branko6068]

i sad kad je najveca legenda grada denvera, kad moze da im kaze,,slusaj, odoh ja SP pa me ne racunajte prve 2, 3 nedelje regularnog dela da odmorim malo - on nece da igra. a sigurno to moze da im kaze, sto, da nece da ga trejduju ili kazne finansijski pa da ga provociraju?

[@Saber23]

True, he’s playing for his country but at the end of the day if his heart isn’t in it he may end up letting everyone down, you need to have the same obsessive love for basketball as Luka to play that many games and still be enthusiastic

[@Milos111Zivkov]

He does have a small child though. I kinda get him. He recently became a dad, no? And then to be in camp away from family again for how long? Or if they come with him, like... what kind of familiy life is that?

[@Milos111Zivkov]

I also feel shitty that he won't play but I'm not really angry at him. He might also be trying to avoid that if he'd play he would be the literal star player there right now, I think the pressure is quite high from him and he just won NBA finals, the whole thing prolly feels for him quite heavy, dunno... my 2 cents on it.

[@coops1992]

Yeah Serbia without Jokič will never be any serious tournament contenders :/

[@tryhardf844]

That Puertorico team back then in 2004 breaking USA's streak was treated as a cultural earthquake not for the win, but for the meaning that even the smallest island could take down the powerhouse. Or how the Women's Philippines team finally got through several tough contenders for the first time in their division. Stories like that are what fuels basketball worldwide, not tiktok kids dribbling the ball for highlight reels. Sadly the NBA front office with the highest talent pool doesn't care:(

[@gambitacio]

The rise of Argentina with Ginobli, France with Tony Parker, Spain with Pau and Mark Gasol the mark where international basketball was catching up. It was a cultural earthquake.

[@theoneonly259]

I love Carlos Arroyo to this day.

[@ForTheViolence]

I have no idea why it was treated like that. Puertorico is a u.s territory 😂

[@georgemarco11]

that's a healthy and on point view on athleticism, bball and team sports in general. if more people could get it...?!!

[@FuSiMentor]

USA Indianapolis Olimpic games 2002 Usa vs Yugoslavia(Serbia) 1/4 finals and Serbia won and latter win all

[@Fed034]

Same thing happens with the Italian national team. Despite basket not being even close to the popularity of football, all the players that come out of this country really, really feel the importance of it, because sports in general are such a central part of our identity.

[@TunaStrata]

Prandelli team, where casano and balotelli be one of the best striker partner in tournament. And daniele de rossi be one of the best centre back. Italian as a team rarely dissapointed. Feels bad when they fail qualifying for 2022.

[@ayidonno]

What's the second most popular sport in Italy?🤔

[@Fed034]

@@ayidonno Formula 1, definitely. Ferrari is a fucking religion over here

[@cranekraken24]

I remember reading Basket d'Italia as a kid. Great book and one could feel the national pride in it.

[@PaolinoChannel91bao]

@@ayidonno football is the first, second and third sport in Italy. After comes Formula 1 and MotoGP. Volley, Rugby and Basketball are kinda equal.

[@KarloBlaze]

It's called having national pride, which a lot of other players don't

[@steezymtb5876]

Yes. There is a difference in being a patriot or calling yourself a patriot. The americans are fast with the latter, but do not actually have that pride to represent their country in them like many international players do. Look at Lauri Markkanen for example. Dude just spent months in the armed forces doing his military service because he "feels like it's duty as a Finnish citizen" and now he's gearing up to play in the World Cup with a smile on his face, happy and proud to get to suit up alongside his brothers in the National Team. You don't see that spirit in these U.S. divas.

[@TheRamzino]

You can’t have pride for a country thats shown many times that they don’t like you which is different for European Countries

[@GoldenGod69]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@steezymtb5876The patriotic athletes in the USA play every other sport than basketball thats why. There is a reason for this too, not by accident. American Football, Baseball, Hockey, Wrestling etc. look up Pat Tillman and Alejandro Villanueva for some examples of our multi-millionaire athletes giving it all up to go serve their country. Thats cute though finnish man is doing his forced service for 4 months now

[@culifabrizio1479]

@@steezymtb5876or JOKIC bro, gtfo

[@willayb5698]

@@TheRamzino💯

[@romainguibert2826]

Didn't know you were Lithuanian. From a big French fan who went to a few euros, let me speak for my fellow countryman when I say we have a very deep respect for Lithuanian basketball. Met a few of your fan at the euro and they are so cool and nice and devoted. Your people's love for basketball is undeniable a joy to see. Much respect and much love! Keep the good work people!

[@BasketNews_com]

Thank you! 💙🤍♥️

[@davidclifton5574]

No love for patty mills? Olympics patty has single handily pushed Australia to its first bronze medal. Plus, has taken over games against team USA. That man is a national treasure

[@theoneonly259]

This channel likes to either pretend that all international players are European and take credit for them - or ignore non-Euro international players altogether.

[@full6330name]

Olympics Patty is a 90 overall player.

[@drixcel2741]

@@theoneonly259 Scola?

[@Hazadin420]

olympics luca is 199 overall@@full6330name

[@theoneonly259]

@@drixcel2741 They think they can pass him off as a Euro because he played a lot in the Euroleague and they are also clearly colonialists who believe him to be Spanish. I mentioned this in a previous post. Keep up.

[@stronkveak5917]

There is a sad reason why basketball although #2 globally is so far behind football, that reason is called NBA, and the terrible mentality it carries.

[@dennisrossonero]

Interesting take. Probably true.

[@williamphillips3035]

Stop projecting...the reason why the sport is global is because of the NBA. The kids in South America, Asia and Africa don't play basketball because of the Euroleague, it's because of the NBA.

[@d4v1do]

@@williamphillips3035lmao ok m8

[@Mr.Sax.]

​@@etanabu2232Basketball is 130+ years old. Besides, Rugby and hockey are older than football.

[@misterduelog]

Football is popular cause you can play it anywhere with minimal equipment. Basketball is like that too, relative to other sports like hockey American football or baseball. But compared to soccer it’s nowhere near as accessible

[@el_m4ver1ck50]

Luka literally has his country tatted on his back, he knows he gotta carry Slovenia 🔥

[@BasketNews_com]

That's a cool fact! Had to google and see it myself 😅

[@georgemarco11]

if you care about winning, you know you gotta carry your team too. one is never enough... so, maybe some guys, they just can't always care

[@FuSiMentor]

luka father is from Serbia but mother is from Slovenia and in Europe players play for father country and why Luka olay for Slovenia i never understand because he speaks Serbian better than Slovenian.

[@skratolin]

@@FuSiMentor this is not true. Luka grandparents are from Serbia and they came to live to Slovenia in 1970s. Lukas father played basketball in primary school with me in town Jesenice, Slovenia. Lukas was born in Slovenia, raised in Slovenia, started to play basketball in Ljubljana and went to Real Madrid from Olimpija Ljubljana. Why in the world should Luka play for Serbia. Because of the gradparents ? Dosadni ste sa time jer njemu Srbija u smislu košarke a i ostalog nije dala ništa. On je poštuje kao i njene građane baš kao i ja! :)

[@georgemarco11]

@@FuSiMentor because he grew up there, learned bball there, has his first friends, girl there? because he choose to play there..? not enough?

[@SaDaBBALL]

When you are talking about playing for your country you can't miss out Tornike Shengelia🇬🇪

[@BasketNews_com]

Yet another power forward to the collection of loyal players 🤔

[@giorway9153]

💀💀

[@OddDB]

აბა რა

[@Pedroooooipicapiedra]

​@@giorway9153 you dont know him?

[@giorway9153]

@@Pedroooooipicapiedra shi im georgian too bruh

[@disispeter]

He appreciate the value of euro and his teammates/country… plus it also help get him in shape

[@dorotejorescanin6453]

It's sad to see your best player not play for your country, but I understand Jokić, he need to rest especially after this season, but we will see him in the olimpics

[@Smith9082253]

Is this supposed to be a shot at America.

[@dorotejorescanin6453]

@@Smith9082253 nah I'm talking about Jokić not playing for Serbia

[@Smith9082253]

@@dorotejorescanin6453 my apologies I understand what you were saying now.

[@BasketNews_com]

Hope he plays, maybe he adopted that "Olympics over World Cup" mentality too 🤔

[@dorotejorescanin6453]

@@BasketNews_com he didn't go to world cup in 2020, but he went to the olimpics, hopefully he has that mentally

[@Essjaydee3]

You also have to think, many of these countries are the size of American state or smaller, so representing your country is a huge thing. Plus, a guy like luka or the hernangomez brothers have moved to America to play in the highest league, so a chance to go home or play with their guys is a bigger thing. Jokic, unlike some of the other European players, still has a home in his home country. It’s kinda like some of the star players as they get older, playing for their home town team. Many guys go back to their home states where they played high school or college ball or even grew up to connect and do camps. Also, some of that pride comes from being a strong team. Spain has had multiple nba players on their teams for years and had a history of success. Sabonas helped make basketball must see before his injury for his country.JV is the one I appreciate the most because his is on a team with very few nba level talent for years and still goes, but again that goes back to him coming from a country smaller than most states and being one of the ones to make it to show others there, they can make it too. If or when America loses again, you will see the pride come back, but like the video said, Fiba is not important to us especially with how close it is the nba season, but the Olympics because of the acclaim is.

[@culifabrizio1479]

Who is jv?

[@Essjaydee3]

Jonas

[@alexkunovac9479]

Serbian here - great video n Jokic is still loved by his people although not as much as djokovic yet. He defo just needs his break in sombor. Keep up the videos and that Jokic jersey giveaway is sick. - I would love it cause he's my basketball idol

[@BasketNews_com]

Thanks!

[@branko6068]

@@BasketNews_com and half people in Serbia dont love Jokic like Bogdanovic, maybe Bogdan is not as good as Luka or Jokic but he is always there for national team except of course if he is injured like last year

[@oijgg3p]

Another Serbian here, Jokic is not loved as much.. many hate his being fake and pretending. We respect honesty, but saying "i WiLL mAkE mY dEciSion 2 DaYs BefoRE GathERiNG" is so dishonest, we faking hate it. Next time, he should learn to be honest, and for gaslight his nation until the very end. Fak him.

[@Jeff_2x]

I think it’s players outside of US take more pride then players in the states since they’re playing for their home country and aren’t the most talented country in the sport of basketball

[@bryx170]

And their chants are so stupid and boring.

[@ralphgilbert23]

Great podcast. I hope Luka plays. Imagine a Slovenia-Serbia final!

[@ChoperJoJo]

I feel is more of a norm outside of the US. Let's take for example football (soccer): here in Argentina we've got a lot of big names around the world, yet they desire to win with the national team at all cost

[@katiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Man I love Luka, he brings us such joy

[@98Nedeljko]

I'm serbian and I'm extremely disappointed in Jokic not choosing to play for us. Especially after saying once that it's a way better feeling playing for the national team.

[@toskiemail1371]

Even more so because it's not like the NBA season ended recently. It ended like over a month ago. I had thought he wanted to go home as soon as possible to get some rest before joining the Serbia camp.

[@coops1992]

Same just happened with Latvia and Porzingis. Very disappointing for fans cause it seems he put Boston as only priority. They claimed ''foot injury'' but he was dunking like crazy in workouts.

[@BasketNews_com]

Thank you for sharing!

[@lazarsimovic4089]

ma ko ga jebe bitno je da bogdan igra a i nesto mislim da smo nekako bolji bez jokica i da cemo u finale ove godine bas zato sto nam nije najjaci sastav bolje cemo igrati po meni

[@THE_BEAR_JEW]

I am disappointed too but not everybody cares about basketball the same. You can see Jokic prefers to do other thing when he can. It is a big reason he was fat of a while a few years ago.

[@andriusmokrecovas5885]

Great and very professional work, my Lithuanian brother, keep doing what you doing. MALACIUS, spaudziu desine🤝💪💛💚❤️

[@Diogo._.Eusebio]

Playing with an exercise ball is an actuall legit exercise when switching from one ball design to another. If you directly change from one ball to another the weight, size and grooves don't change much, but it can be a significant change that lets you feeling something is slightly off. Playing with an exercise ball before changing balls, makes the change a complete shock, but the unconscious comfort and habits you had with the previous ball won't be there affecting how you should handle the new ball.

[@exiledknight3961]

As a Serb, many if not most of us hate that Jokic doesnt play for the national team. Espcially when we had so many players before, like Divac, Stojakovic, Bodirioga and many others; who were always there for the team. As a side note thoough, I feel since the last few international tournaments have been in Asia, its kinda of discoureged a lot of people from going, since its so far and at such and bad time.

[@tomzee70]

Divac did not play for many years and they all missed many games.

[@exiledknight3961]

@@tomzee70 This is not true. They missed some but not most, usually due to injury. Divac played in most tournaments except in 1998.

[@miroljub3817]

It seems to me that there are more hidden problems inside the Sebian basketball team and the whole organization that we're not fully aware of... and I believe that Jokić just doesn't want to be involved. Like he says: guys, sorry (but jebiga) it's not for me! P.S. Other nations, except maybe Croatia, have very healthy relationships among and between their players and managements, and I really believe that to be the main reason not to avoid playing for the homeland.

[@exiledknight3961]

@@miroljub3817 Most likely

[@ratedpending]

Jokić just finished a finals series while Luka missed the whole damn playoffs, it is not the same lmfao

[@joseandkris]

Carrying a team to an NBA Finals and then winning it is a monumental task. Carrying your team to a World Championship is also a monumental task. I don't think Jokic had enough in his gas tank, not physical, but mental. He plays all year, wants to spend time having fun and being with his family, now World Cup asks of him to do something incredible yet again. I don't question Jokic loyalty to Serbia ever, but sometimes a man needs a break and to let others shine :)

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

No playing for you country is sacred he better mis few NBA match then miss play for Serbia what's the difference between him and Doncic nothing except Luka love his country and feel special to give back to country who give him everything and who he is! And don't need Jokic who will play like you put gun on his head better some young player 10 time worst then him but with love and pride play! There is nothing more important!

[@azthek31511]

​@@bogoljubdjordjevic7528kakav si kenjator tebra

[@eddieblack3767]

@@bogoljubdjordjevic7528jokic played till June while doncic was out since more less may especially since most of them games were fairly close

[@lukacalov1988]

What about previous 2 times he didnt want to play?

[@dshawandunwell3892]

@@bogoljubdjordjevic7528 luka didn't make the playoffs, he had extra time to rest which jokic didn't get. Let the man rest and stop pushing your ideals of playing for your country on him.

[@Pavvy88]

Another excellent video!! i didnt know you were Lithuanian- although would have easily figured it out if you had your name in caption lol Jokic did play in Eurobasket 2022 & there was no way he was going to play this summer after winning the title so he'll need to rest (Gianni did the same). To Nikolas credit- he's been very durable playing majority of his games with Nuggets & he is who he is personality wise and there's nothing wrong with that. Gianni & Luka are naturally more opened & embraced the US culture more

[@ayidonno]

Giannis would have played if he didn't get injured

[@Pavvy88]

@@ayidonno oh yeah of course, i meant Gianni didn't play the summer he won the championship

[@robertotampioc7318]

@@Pavvy88 ... He didn't play because their finals vs Suns finished weeks before Olympics, whereas he can't participate OQT where Greece didn't qualified

[@Pavvy88]

@@robertotampioc7318 aaa yes correct thats because that season started later due to Covid so it finished later which ended up being in mid-July. Even if it did end up in normal scheduled time which wouldve been mid-June instead, then im sure Gianni would've been highly advised to sit out representing Greece for summer

[@markopecinovic4475]

Jokic is a legend... He needs his breaks for horses and family... My father for nearly 50 years needed...nay ...had to go back to Serbia to his village for two months. It was almost a drive, like salmon going back to spawning grounds. He needed to reenergize with our culture/food. It was great way for us to get to know our people as kids, and for my father to teach us to love where we came from. Despite even the wars, we came every year and took the risk. No one was going to take that away from us.

[@Educalifa]

There are also examples of players who gave up a guaranteed contract in the NBA in order to stay eligible to play for their countries in international tournaments back when NBA players weren't allowed in FIBA competitions. Oscar Schmidt for Brazil comes to mind but there are others. Ultimate display of loyalty IMO.

[@PhoenixSunsNZ]

To be honest, if I was in the same situation. I would rather play for my country and stay in shape that way than have to do random pickups or train in empty gyms during the offseason.

[@maartenvz]

Such a great country! Beautiful nature, tasty food and friendly people. Regarding the mavs: they should really try to sign one of doncic national teammates

[@gabrieljohnboutziopoulos9282]

Guys at the end of the day they are professional players and like it or not, at some point, they will have to take a break. They have to protect their body, muscles think about their other commitments They have nothing to prove to the fans. I am sad Giannis is not gonna play in the World Cup even though he spent his summer getting ready for it. But it is what it is. a true fan loves and supports them no matter what. Not only in the good moments but also in the bad ones. If Luca decides to take a break one year it will be totally understandable, he'll still be his country's heroe. If people believe that they are entitled to attack working professionals when they need a break they should go get checked. Love your channel btw! Keep up the good work!

[@ayidonno]

Giannis is patriotic, he would have played if not for the injury

[@pentu7738]

its called sportsmanship.

[@Aleks-ot5ns]

As a Serbian I'm sad Jokic isn't playing, but I think it's because he's not on the best of terms with Pesic. Tremendous respect for getting us the gold in 2002, but it's because of his stubbornness/being senile we lost against Italy keeping Jokic on the bench for the majority of the 3rd and part of the 4th quarter when Italy made their comeback. As an incredibly smart player I asume Jokic wasnt too happy about that, especially since he got some flack for it from the stupider part of the fanbase here in Serbia even though he dominated every game. As long as he's the coach and Danilovic is the head of the basketball federation I am not too optimistic about our chances of winning medals which is such a shame considering the talent we have in this generation could give Spains golden generation a run for their money.

[@m1k4c]

If Jokic has a problem with Pesic, he should confront him, or at least speak up if he thinks Pesic is the unreasonable party. This is not the first time Jokic has some "reason" not to play, though, you know, while Pesic apparently didn't find an excuse with his 74 years of age. Jokic "having to recover", "having to rest", or in the latest case "not being motivated to give his best" is better than coming and behaving like primadonna, late to every practice and/or silvering up on the court - since we had such players in the past, god save us from their patriotism... It is better, but it doesn't make it right. I will never understand such people, who don't care about playing under the flag. Why? - because they might hurt a fkn ankle or smtn and come out few millions short next year? What would you expect that guy to do if he was supposed to take up arms and defend that country?

[@m1k4c]

@squeekyclean1644 or an elf... or a tooth fairy... tinker bell ;D i get it, mate, but still, Jokic and guys like him are national heroes here, adored by the whole nation, you can't find a 6yo kid who doesn't know who Jokic is. and when that fatherland's calling, that Jokic says "nah, mate, I have something - ANYthing - more important" (?!) I think that the point here was that Luka Doncic also just "works" in NBA, plays for money, that's ok, they both know nobody's gonna remember them in the USA in a decade, nobody's gonna name a sport hall, or some street after them, or anything, but here, on Balkans, they are already legends. That's what this is about. If I call you, asking for help, let's say I need some1 to weld a bike, you're gonna come simply because I love you, my wife loves you, my kids adore you, my father tells you "you're the son I never had", entire family accepting you as our own, ofc you're gonna come. You're not gonna tell me "fuk man, I hate welding bikes, I never wanted to do that in first place", you're already welding stuff every day. Imagine if millions of people feel like that - and you "can't bother"? Because, literally millions in Serbia hoped Jokic would play. This is Balkans, mate, we have wars twice a century here. This isn't one of those Baltic states, or some place that underwent globalization, where people have to check their ID before answering about their nationality, or one of those American/Australian countries that started of as colonies, where citizenship became "nationality". This is Balkans. Proud, old nations, lots and lots of blood. Flags matter here. I can't understand anyone who already made millions and is motivated better with more millions to play in a foreign league, than with national pride, to play on a world/euro cup or Olympics, as a part of national team.

[@Aleks-ot5ns]

@@m1k4c bro I explained it all in my comment, if Pesic wasn't the coach I am sure he would play. I believe he has national pride but not to the degree of guys like Doncic and Bogdanovic who would play if their national team coach was an actual donkey. He doesn't want to go through the same thing like in the world cup in 2019 where he had to play as a backup to Bircevic (to all the non Serbian people this did actually happen and I also don't know who Bircevic is) where he didn't play his regular position (mostly played PF) played mid and then got shit for it, or 2022 where he played excellent and still thanks to Pesic genius coaching we went home in the round of 16 and still somehow got shit for it putting up a statline of 32p 12r 4a being +15 while on the floor. Regarding speaking up against Pesic I would also like if he said smt, but first he is a private person and is not one to create drama. Second I think his manager who profits from the corrupt clownshow which is the the Serbian basketball federation strongly advises him against it. Again I am bummed out about him not playing, ffs I am Serbian and basketball is my favorite sport, but as long as that coked up clown Danilovic is running the federation, with senile Svetislav as coach more and more top players are gonna say thanks but no thanks because they don't want to have to deal with the shitshow and backlash when we lose because exposure of certain players was put in front of strategy and winning. And as long as our federation is in the state it is I will NEVER blame the player for declining to play even if he stated the reason was he doesn't want to mess up his new haircut.

[@slXD100]

@@m1k4c the only problem I have with Jokic how he has been talking all these years how important the national team is, how it is every serbian players dream to represent serbia in basketball and all the other patriotic stuff he said prior/during his years in the NBA. and then he chooses lame excuses not to play. he needs to recover? I am sure partying in Sombor and getting drunk every weekend is anything but recovering. I don't mind if a guy doesn't play, but dont talk all that shit and then not back it up. two options, he either lied or he lost his passion/perspective and I am not sure what is worse.

[@slXD100]

@@Aleks-ot5ns if Pesic is the issue, why did Jokic come up with excuses before Pesic was the coach, hmm?

[@jjjiljjjj]

Imaging how strong a united Yugoslavia basketball team would be...

[@janstegu]

Strong first five.. but not the bench

[@NostalgicMem0ries]

stronger than any other bench besides usa spain maybe france.@@janstegu

[@NostalgicMem0ries]

really sad it dissolved, what a teams it could have produced both football and basketball....

[@arjunadan3812]

In fact USA("NATO") destroyed Yugoslavia...and many other countries...😬

[@stvarnonevjerovatno3700]

Well unless I am missing anyone it would likely be Doncic - Bogdanovic - Bogdanovic - Vucevic - Jokic, with the bench of Nurkic (maybe not, depends how he is getting on with Jokic these days), Zubac, N. Jovic, Musa, and the rest filled by Serbian national team, perhaps Saric, but probably not after injury. if we had this running, perhaps Mirotic would not be playing for Spain, and if you add an international player which you can ( Murray 🤣🤣🤣) could definitely beat US national team. Definitely be in it to win tournaments for about a decade.

[@zion897]

We need fiba in 2k or a fiba standalone game

[@jamesssdasds]

It’s always about pride and representing the country.

[@Chorbus]

Jokic being more excited about horses is so funny. I’m here for it

[@dipper5835]

2:54 that clip always freak me out at how big boban hands are and luka hands are definitely not small lol

[@0401412740]

Keep at the insightful and well thought analysis.

[@full6330name]

I honestly think he feels like he's at work with Dallas but while playing for Slovenia he feels at home. Like he's working but working on his house.

[@sesasesic6288]

I am from Serbia and you are probably right about Jokic

[@MR_M0RNINGSTAR]

I love this content, no BS whatsoever

[@weareunitedasonefamily]

Kadalasan sa mga NBA players na gusto talaga mag-commit sa kanilang bayang pinanggalingan for any international basketball tournaments like FIBA Basketball World Cup & Summer Olympics na super big deal talaga since the beginning ay nanggaling pa sa European nations. Naglalaro sila para sa kani-kanilang bayang sinilangan na dapat mahalin at di yan nababayaran sa totoo lang. Basketball would have a greater heights even better in the future, every sport in general in actuality that are all matters.

[@ilikecat5724]

Wait you are lithuanian. I havent been watching you consistently but i subscirbed to you like 5 month ago and i never would have guessed that you are lithuanian.

[@BasketNews_com]

Hah! Now I wonder where you thought I was from 👀

[@ayidonno]

​@@BasketNews_comI thought you were Serbian

[@anatolyalperovich9069]

there is also that thing that players who train together all season, run better together in competitions

[@ivannavgan]

It feels so unique specially when its a tiny country the smaller the nation the more special it is

[@athenstar10]

As someone who lives in the World Cup host country this year, I know most local hoop fans are sad to not see Jokic, Giannis and even Wemby.

[@ZA-MunZeStyle]

More and less.U R as always right 😂😊 Did you guys know that Goran Dragić played with Luka's dad in Olimpija Ljubljana ,around 2000ts,not sure timeline,but Goran Dragić was rookie and Luka's dad Saša Dončić was veteran ... Its so F nice that he always play for Slovenia.

[@gahdhsh623]

sasa doncic*

[@adammwakikoti2759]

10:06 Geez Luka 😤😤😤

[@georgep7428]

Bravo Luca!

[@loimsloims4157]

In a way me as a serbian, i understand jokic not playing this year for the national team. It gotta be hard playing the regular season and the hole playoffs. I mean give this man some rest😂 To be fair i‘d love to see him play for serbia and i‘m sad that he doesn‘t, but we have to respect his decision. Maybe next year at the olympics.

[@denigster]

the only time he can rest in 7 years !

[@TheGoogergieger]

I mean, outside of one playoff run he also doesn’t have as many miles on his body as some of his counter parts. Plus he’s also a baby age wise. It’s a nice sentiment and idea but when he’s close to 30 and hopefully going on finals runs, it’s hard to then follow that up with more basketball tbh.

[@ChaosPrototypeIX]

Bro, Jokic had the longest NBA season out of them all, because he literally became an NBA champion so its to be expected for him to want rest. Also lets not forget that he is a father too unlike Luka so he wants to spend time with his family. I really dont blame him for not playing this year, he played previous year Eurobasket for national team so its not like he doesnt want to play. There was also, lets call it a drama, with the head of our national basketball association where he talked a bit of shiet about Jokic so that might be a reason too why he decided not to play this year, especially after all of that shiet that happened with nba mvp race at the end of regular season.

[@relja3146]

It’s not jokics fault because other players such as kalinic and micic didn’t wanna suit up either because of our coach who kept benching them last tournament causing us to lose very early to Italy

[@TheDXJC56]

3:30 no idea who was in front of them but man that dude picked it up rq 😂

[@yixuanli9356]

I think also has to do that he's a superstar and can do whatever he wants, some roleplayers or minor stars in contract years are held by their nba teams because of huges contracts that theyre about to sign

[@johnreydelatorre3450]

Passion and priorities of different individuals.

[@radisadjuricic9823]

Because he loves it. Many dont like it but like money,like this timber from my Serbia.... sometimes it was the greatest fealing to represent your land,nowadays....

[@danielsgrunte5769]

Ouuuhh that small shot when you talked about JV and showed JV and Porzingis on the screen, really hurt all the Latvian fans as we have KP not participating again.

[@stri2003]

Luka is still young ! Lets see if he is gonna play in a few years from now when he is older

[@pixelmanminecraftplayerseenow]

I really understand basketball players. As a football (soccer) fan it is absolutely mental to me that players don't want (or are not allowed) to play for their countries

[@lukamazing]

bcoz luka is built different🥶🥶

[@atreyufan012]

Love your videos guys! keep it up

[@SINTOSrsf]

for the last part, in football you have for example the premier league where if you are from a strong team, you could have games every 3 days and in your "rest" time, you would have friendlies or continental(world competition + i forgto the international competitions w the club, like europa league, conference or champions..

[@EnricoFantini]

Most athletes in Europe and around the world love to represent their country internationally, regardless of how prestigious the tournament is or how much they get paid. The question should be aimed at American players - why is there such a lack of interest to representing the U.S. in the Olympics and World Cup?

[@Islam.is.the.truth..]

Because it’s just not as valuable as an nba championship

[@dwaynekeenum1916]

Olympics rosters are usually amazing check the lineups had kobe lebron Wade carmelo mj magic etc

[@olololo4807]

also look how luka gets in shape for the summer.

[@vilioksgrigolius191]

Love and Fear Luka in equal measure ❤😵‍💫

[@emmanuelkrell]

Its not a sacrifice, it's the best the players can do

[@David-wo9lu]

Jokic is the best but he will never have our respect like Bogdan

[@gengen5607]

Luka's playing style is the definition of "hard to get injured" Because the way he play basketball was "slow but precise"

[@toomuchdrivetothrive]

FIBA WC is way more fun than NBA finals, Olympics or NCAA tournament. The games are more flowing, no silly ISO ball, and the fans are crazy. I love FIBA. I don't get why more Americans, of which I am, don't like it more. I blame ESPN for now showing it.

[@sambeaumont395]

US players are more about money than pride. Olympic Games are a far bigger deal for advertising and endorsements, therefore much more likely to attract stars. FIBA world cups are considerably smaller events.

[@yveson333]

Shot up sorry Look AT some team USA sometines there were Big players so keep your mouth close

[@sambeaumont395]

@@yveson333 what? 2016 Olympics - many players withdrew early due to a variety of concerns relating to the Rio games. Team USA even stayed on a cruise ship. Meanwhile all the guys you would expect from Serbia, Spain etc were there. 2019 FIBA World Cup - all the big names (at the time), withdrew or even opted out of consideration early. USA finished 7th. Again non-US/North American teams sent the players you would expect to represent them. 2020 Olympics - again a lot of the biggest names didn’t go. There is a big push every now and then, 1992 introduction of NBA players/Dream Team; 2008 Redeem Team etc. which reinvigorates life into the program. Olympics is a bigger pull - Fact. Olympics can generate greater endorsements - Fact. Relative to European teams, the USA has much less sense of pride.

[@PassFirstPost]

FIBA has a marketing advantage due to the 1 game format and national allegiance.

[@EduSanjuan777]

He should look at what happened to Cancar. Specially a summer like this one where they have zero chance to compete for medals, He should take the summer off the nacional team and, work on his body

[@Nobruocc]

10:00 actually in football There are about 3 major tournaments per year not counting the world cup

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

Bravo for Luka too bad Jokic don't have same pride on his country!

[@benkr]

The calendar is the same in football. Olympics are for amateurs though so that's a different setup.

[@robertotampioc7318]

Make Olympic basketball as U23 and problem solve... For sure the stars will focus in WC than Olympics...

[@jorgovan-ni9kz]

I think with Jokić It also might be that he doesn't wish to face backlash as he is front man for Serbian team. Of course it's not his fault if our team loses. There are many variables to it, but it probably tires him out, seeing or hearing other people talking. To be honest i think most of them get drained out by the whole process just to lose at the end... I think that might be how they see it... Plus they need to train more as a team. I think Serbian national team has to do that more... Maybe I'm wrong. Hoping you guys read my comment. Cheers from 25 year old Serbian fan EDIT: That's how I think most people in Serbia might see Jokić refusing to play. I think some top tear players lie they can't cuz they too tired physically while others just chose not to play because of possible backlash from people and how disappointed fans can get... That's how i feel about it... But then again, who knows, but only coaches of national team. I think they got enouth connections with clubs where they can check if some is lying their ass off... But Miloš Teodosić said it the best, players should use that opportunity and play for national team because they can gain valuable experience from it... Which i believe so

[@lanelesic]

Comparing Luka and Jokic is dishonest due to the 2 widely different situations the two are in. Jokic already had 2 hard long seasons connected by an Euro basket and a championship season where he went all the way. Connecting another serious tournament in between would be 3 years in a row without a full vacation and much needed rest.

[@grandmastersreaction1267]

Brate, Jokic just doesn’t really like basketball. I even think he will retire after his current contract at Denver runs out. He’ll probably stop playing for the national around the same time entirely too.

[@BasketNews_com]

But that's what the video is trying to say, you look at some of the guys like Scola, Pau, etc. They were always there 😅

[@lanelesic]

NIsam ti ja brat, bajo. Necu ni da citam ovo ostalo trabunjanje nekih bezveznih gluposti sto samo buidale bez grama mozga ponavljaju ko papige. @@grandmastersreaction1267

[@branko6068]

so Pau Gasol is alien, terminator?

[@lanelesic]

@@branko6068 Nije on Jokicu ni do kolena.

[@Blue_8800]

Many Turkish players also play for the national team.

[@MarvinMonchitoEValdez]

rest and recover

[@vitanus]

Europe has always competed with each other, in every sport played here. Basketball, Handball, Winter-Sports and of course Football, you name it. America just doesnt seem to have that drive, which alienates so many Europeans. Not representing your country at a worldcup in a team sport? That is certainly not a good look to say the least.

[@nikolat0607]

Me as a Serbian basketball fan can say that you are pretty much near to the truth about Jokic. It is like a curse for us. We are, alongside Lithuania, most basketballish country in the world, and we truly suffer for Jokic non-enthusiastic behavior about basketball, and national team. It is so sad... I have so much respect for the players such as Doncic. I'm fuckin jealous.

[@ayidonno]

You guys love basketball more than Filipinos and Chinese people? I don't think so

[@rumbL-24]

​@@ayidonnoWe do

[@ayidonno]

@@rumbL-24 basketball is the most popular sport in those two countries, but it isn't the most popular sport in Serbia, that will be football

[@nikolat0607]

@@ayidonno Serbia has educated basketball fans. Average knowledge of basketball per person is so high. Philippines and Chinese they are crazy for NBA, but have no tradition, no legends and big results in history. In China table tennis is national sport.

[@dwaynekeenum1916]

@@nikolat0607saying Yao ming and erik spoelstra aren’t legends is ridiculous man they’re hall of famers

[@McMuffinator]

A lot of people don't know Steven Adams outright refuses to play for New Zealand because of the way New Zealand basketball is structured. To enter into anything high level you need a lot of money, and Steven had to rely on funding from his community to get him through New Zealand basketball to reach the NBA.

[@TurinStark5]

Any sport where the best league is in the USA tends to suck internationally in terms of having the very best players- the best players are rarely there ...

[@dennisrossonero]

I'm always here for an NBA roast video.

[@tr3llo165]

Ur miserable

[@P4F-PRN5-YuGoReZa]

Good work BasketNews =)

[@BasketNews_com]

Thanks 🙏

[@a_mbient]

"Hasn't missed a single tournament since 2011". Actually a lot of EU pro players were playing for their teams ever since under age tournaments. So that bond goes beyond men's teams, to their childhood/teen years. Especially in smaller countries, where you can pretty much grow up with half of your team.

[@arxeiapersonal8109]

The Jokic part was very funny 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@shamwaw336]

People have to remember that most euro players play for their national team out of duty rather than pride. Not many are like Luka who is very happy playing for his country. Jokic is the definition of "job is a job". Basketball is just work to him, he doesnt care about public adoration or accomplishments. We can get mad and critical of him but you cant say he is unreasonable. No reasonable person will accept overtime at work if not properly compensated. Heck, in some countries its illegal to make people work on weekends. Jokic just has that same energy for Basketball

[@henrythomas9607]

Yo I just showed my homie lmao. He play for slo we went to a international school in America together for basketball.

[@mikkyo3509]

well, how it is in football(not american football)? you have to play for the nation, its an obligation and the Clubs must make the players available

[@denigster]

no they dont ! and it happens way more often than you think that the clubs are not letting the players to their squad^^

[@MK-we9sw]

In the US the greatest aspiration for players is making the NBA. It's the most important thing. Everywhere else the national team is the ultimate goal.

[@Bulkk-Up]

I think the Paul George injury also scares American players. They don't want to risk future contract to an injury playing for the national team

[@georgemarco11]

thought luka and every other international player shouldn't care about their future contracts? do you know how many injuries have happened on those international tournaments? countless. even in friendly preparation games. so what? (btw a luka teammate, he plays for the nugets i forget his name, got injured 3 days ago on a friendly game... maybe the guy had to play, maybe he don't play enough and had to risk for a new contract or maybe he just enjoys playing for his nat. team too). but do you know how many eyes are on those tournaments? how many guys made their name and career and can feed their families out of those tournaments? but yea if you're an nba'er why even care, you playing on the bigger stage there is, every night, what's the point? but anyway, what i don't like is the disrespect to the competition by some, thought you come and play at the olympics every 4 years. and glad to see young americans care about what's goin' on out of the us, on the rest of the world. that's a good think i think

[@juliencamus3523]

If we talk about International competion, then it's the same thing for every non-american player who plays in the NBA. I think the lack of interest of american players about the national team was at its peak during the 80's and the early 2000's. Then you had the "dream team" and the "redeem team" who are probably the two best Olympics teams I've ever seen. And those two team only existed after losses that were consider as huge upsets. Now, with FIBA getting harder than ever, maybe we'll see more stacked USA teams in the future. Even the last one who won against my fellow french people in 2019 world cup wasnt that bad, with some all stars and also good NBA starters.

[@steezymtb5876]

@@juliencamus3523At this point i think they have just come up with this plan to make a decent U.S squad that is good enough to win, but in case they lose, they can always hide behind the fact that "it wasn't our best squad, we were missing all the superstars" etc.

[@lukacalov1988]

Meanwhile Jokic is foolin around with his horses and Serbia with Jokic has legit chance to compete for medals

[@falcao.0984]

in football we have the olypincs too, wich means 3 tournaments in 4 years like basketball

[@mamamo1639]

Here in the Philippines, we didn't prove anything yet in the international stage, yet our players act as if we are the Americans

[@javontejackson5013]

Too bad his fellow NBA er Champ Cancar just got recently injured disappointed for that dude tho

[@enmanuelrodrigues903]

Los demás jugadores deberían seguir el ejemplo de luka