Nikola Kalinic announces retirement from Serbian national team / News - Basketnews.com

Nikola Kalinic announces retirement from the Serbian national team, citing a desire to make way for younger players and the physical toll of international competition.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

FC Barcelona forward Nikola Kalinic revealed in an interview with Sportal that he will no longer play for the Serbian national team.

Nikola Kalinic

MIN:24.7PTS:7.68 (46.64%)REB:3.7As:2.43ST:0.86BL:0.08TO:1.43GM:37ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

When asked about his contact with coach Svetislav Pesic and the possibility of appearing at the Paris Olympics this summer, he responded clearly:

"I think I'm done with that kind of commitment," he said after Barca's Game 3 win in Piraeus. "I don't think I can compete anymore in the way that's needed. It's time for some of the younger guys to play and prove themselves, especially after that success last year. I think everything is clear there."

Kalinic began his national team career in 2013, winning silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

The 32-year-old was absent from the national team at the FIBA World Cup in Manila last summer. Before the preparations, he mentioned feeling back pain and the need for rest over the summer to recover.

Kalinic is in his second season with Barcelona, averaging 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 8.9 PIR over 37 EuroLeague games this season. His team currently leads the quarterfinal series against Olympiacos 2-1.

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