Marko Simonovic defends Nikola Jokic amidst criticism over World Cup decision / News - Basketnews.com

Marko Simonovic says Nikola Jokic is not a machine. He is the best player on a team who is double-teamed or triple-teamed on almost every occasion for 100 games per season: "We've all seen how he acts and plays the game, how much he wanted to win a medal last year [at the FIBA EuroBasket 2022]."

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Marko Simonovic was a vital part of one of the most successful generations in the recent history of the Serbian national team. From 2014 to 2019, he represented Serbia and played an important role in securing two silver medals, one at the FIBA World Cup 2014 in Spain and the other at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Marko Simonovic

Position:SFAge:37Height:203 cmWeight:88 kgBirth place:SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

The last big tournament in which Marko participated as a member of the Serbian NT was the FIBA World Cup 2019 in China.

Alongside him were Serbian stars like Nikola Jokic and Vasilije Micic. However, these players won't be participating in the upcoming World Cup in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, thus drawing criticism and disappointment from the Serbian people.

"I have to take the players' side a bit. Especially when talking about Nikola Jokic," Simonovic told Marko Jeremic of Meridianbet Sport. "We've all seen how he acts and plays the game, how much he wanted to win a medal last year [at the FIBA EuroBasket 2022], and how he lead our team. Do you know how hard the failure hit him? I was a witness to that, and can say the same about the World Cup in 2019.

"When you're the best player of a team you're always double-teamed, when you're the best in the world you're guarded by three players every game," the 37-year-old continued. "You play 100 games in a season, you get beaten up for 100 games. The man is not a machine.

"It's often said that in the past, everyone played in the national team, and indeed, that's true. However, it's worth noting that during those times, only around 30 games were played in a season. Now, the man has played 100 games, we really have to listen to that."

Despite the absence of some top players, Simonovic believes that the announced Serbian roster still possesses tremendous talent and potential to achieve their goals in the World Cup.

"Some of our great players will not appear in the World Cup, but the fact is that there is still a lot of quality in the squad. I think that as a nation we should pay attention and talk about them [who are there], and as little as possible about those who do not play. As far as I know, the goal is to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. I think that should remain the main goal, and of course, we all hope and want more than that," Simonovic said.

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