With Nikola Jokić sidelined, Bogdan Bogdanović is prepared to shoulder the leadership mantle for Serbia in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The two-time NBA MVP has opted to skip the imminent global basketball event to recuperate after an exhausting season that saw him guide the Denver Nuggets to victory in the 2022-2023 NBA championship, securing the Finals MVP award along the way.
Bogdanović expressed his belief that he can contribute a wealth of experience to this youthful Serbian team, which also includes Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic and Philadelphia 76ers’ Filip Petrušev.
“I can definitely bring experience to the guys. I’m just encouraging the guys to have fun and enjoy the game. This is just another game in their lives. It’s a huge opportunity and they shouldn’t be… the pressure is there but it shouldn’t affect their game,” said the six-year NBA veteran.
The 31-year-old swingman spent his initial three NBA seasons with the Sacramento Kings before joining the Atlanta Hawks, where he gained invaluable playoff experience over the past three campaigns.
“I think I play the same way. Maybe with a little more increase in minutes. In Atlanta my role is similar, when I’m on the floor my teammates are looking for me and the defense is more focused [on me] so we are using that as a weapon,” conveyed Bogdanović.
“Similar here [but] there’s a little bit different rules. Here you can stay in the paint a little bit more so just a little more adjustments to the game.”
On the international stage, Bogdanović has represented Serbia’s men’s basketball team since 2013. He has secured numerous medals with the Beri Orlovi and even clinched the scoring title in the FIBA World Cup 2019, where he also earned a spot on the All-FIBA team.
Serbia concluded the previous edition of the World Cup in China in fifth place.
“We’re here in Manila.. I’m excited to be here. We had a tough preparation, but we’re happy to be here and we’re ready to start the competition. We know what we have to do and [we’re] just excited to be here, happy, and ready to start like what I’ve said.”
