The US men’s basketball team nearly suffered a huge shock on Thursday night as they narrowly escaped defeat at the hands of Serbia in the semi-final of the Paris Olympics.
The team, led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry and a host of NBA All-Stars, were expected to stroll to another Olympic title, even thought the rest of the world has been catching up with the Americans in recent years.
Instead, they almost fell to a team led by the best player in the world, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. At the start of the final quarter, Serbia led 76-63 and it took a huge effort from the US to recover.
The game revolved around a period of play in which the US scored six points in two seconds with Serbia leading 78-67 with just over seven minutes left. Kevin Durant scored a three-pointer as Anthony Davis was fouled meaning the US retained possession and Devin Booker duly scored another three to cut the lead to 78-73. The passage of play appeared to rattle Serbia and inspire the Americans, and two threes from Curry put the US up for good.
“I’ve seen a lot of Team USA basketball,” Curry said. “And that was a special one.”
Yes, several Serbian basketball players have played or are currently playing in the NBA, and many of them are likely to be part of the Serbian national team for the 2024 Olympics.
Current and Former Serbian NBA Players:
Nikola Jokić – Denver Nuggets
One of the most prominent Serbian players, Jokić is a two-time NBA MVP (2021, 2022) and a key player for the Denver Nuggets.
Bogdan Bogdanović – Atlanta Hawks
A talented shooting guard known for his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Aleksandar “Sasha” Vezenkov – Sacramento Kings
Recently joined the NBA after a successful career in Europe, particularly with Olympiacos in Greece.
Nemanja Bjelica – Former NBA Player
Played for several NBA teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors.
Boban Marjanović – Houston Rockets
Known for his size and unique personality, Marjanović has been a fan favorite in the NBA.
Vasilije Micić – Oklahoma City Thunder
Joined the NBA recently after a successful stint in Europe, including winning the EuroLeague MVP.
These players, among others, are part of a rich tradition of Serbian basketball talent in the NBA. Many of them have also represented Serbia in international competitions, including the Olympics. The Serbian national team is typically composed of both NBA players and top talent from European leagues, making them a strong contender in international basketball.