DENVER — Denver Nuggets star and NBA MVP Nikola Jokic announced Wednesday that he will not be playing for the Serbian national team at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
Jokic cited the need to give his body proper time to recover after a grueling NBA season to Serbian news outlet Tanjug News.
He played in all 72 regular-season games for Denver, as well as every playoff game -- clocking a total 2,488 minutes throughout the 2020-21 season.
"To my great regret, this is the moment when I have to announce that despite my great desire, I am not able to play for the national team," Jokic told Tanjug News.
"Simply, the condition of my body requires a longer absence from the field for recovery. That is the attitude and suggestion of the club and one inevitably that I have to accept. I am convinced that guys without me have the quality to make a result that will bring us all a lot of joy."
Earlier this month, Jokic became the first Denver Nuggets player to be named the league MVP.
Denver's season came to an end Sunday in a Game 4 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the playoffs.
>>Video above: Nuggets' Jokic earns MVP
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports
> Top stories are curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Denver Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the KUSA 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for KUSA "9news" to find the free app to add it to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.