Easy, too easy.
This year marks Jokic's first public appearance for the national team, where he played 27 minutes, shot 8 for 12, and exceptionally contributed 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 4 assists, leading Serbia to defeat Greece 76-66 in a warm-up game.
Due to the absence of a defensive three-second rule in FIBA, it is much more favorable for a big center like Jokic compared to the NBA, as it allows him to conserve energy by reducing running distances.
So far, Jokic has played two warm-up matches for Serbia; against Greece was his second game, while his first was against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he scored 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 9 assists, leading the team to a 126-89 victory.In these two games, Jokic accumulated a total of 43 points, 38 rebounds, and 13 assists, proving to be an unstoppable force and an absolute super weapon.
It is worth mentioning that Giannis did not participate in the warm-up match between Greece and Serbia, as he is currently undergoing personal training. The Greek head coach hopes Giannis can return and play in the next warm-up match, which could be as early as August 14 against Montenegro.
This year, the Euro Championship will take place from August 27 to September 15, with the groups as follows:
Group A: Serbia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Estonia, Portugal;
Group B: Germany, Lithuania, Montenegro, Finland, United Kingdom, Sweden;
Group C: Spain, Greece, Italy, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus;
Group D: France, Slovenia, Poland, Israel, Belgium, Iceland.
The well-known media outlet "BF" has released the power rankings of the countries participating in the Euro Championship, as follows:
1. Serbia; 2. Germany; 3. France; 4. Turkey; 5. Latvia; 6. Greece; 7. Slovenia; 8. Spain; 9. Lithuania; 10. Finland.
So far, several NBA stars have confirmed their participation in this year's Euro Championship, including Jokic and Giannis mentioned above, as well as well-known players like Doncic, Wagner, Sengun, Markkanen, and Porzingis. Undoubtedly, this event is set to create another global basketball feast.
As last year's bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, Serbia, with NBA players like Jokic (Nuggets), Bogdanovic (Clippers), and Jovic (Heat) all participating, it is not surprising that they are considered the biggest contender for the Euro Championship this year, but this may also bring an invisible pressure.