FAMOUS VLADIMIR CVETKOVIĆ ON JOKIĆ CANCELLATION: ‘I can’t praise him for not playing for Serbia, but IF HE WERE MY SON…’

Nikola Jokić’s decision not to play for Serbia at the World Cup as – according to Svetislav Pešić, the national team manager – he is not either physically or mentally ready to take the responsibility that is expected of him has disappointed the nation.

In addition to the world’s best player, Vasa Micić and Nikola Kalinić have also cancelled, and whether Stefan Jović, Aleksej Pokuševski, and Ognjen Jaramaz’s participation is still uncertain. Vladimir Lučić will not be playing either, due to an injury.

Nikola Jokić and his decision has been the main topic of conversation in Serbia for days, with people commenting on it at work, on the bus, at the market, on trips, and even in high-ranking diplomatic meetings ...

Kurir has contacted Vladimir Cvetković, a legendary Serbian and Yugoslavian basketball player, who played 149 games for the national team when he was active, in relation to this matter. The popular Cvele won four silver medals – at the 1968 Olympics, the 1963 and 1967 World Cups, and at the 1969 European Championship.

“The time when I played is very different from now. Primarily regarding the player status, the pay, the conduct, and the training. Now we have different relations, different statuses, and different possibilities… Up until ten years ago, no one had cancelled, If I’m not mistaken. Taking the right decision is difficult now. As far as I know, of those who have cancelled, two are injured and three are tired. Come on, really. How do you respond regarding Jokić?” Vladimir Cvetković said at the beginning of his interview with Kurir and, after a deep sigh, continued:

“He’s had an incredible season! He played over 100 games in the NBA League, was declared the best player in the US and so the best in the world. He’s crazy exhausted, has a big contract, and a new season coming up. And getting injured in sport is always a possibility.”

There was no need to ask Vladimir Cvetković any questions because he knows and feels the topic very well.

“What do you do in Jokić’s position? It’s evident that he loves Serbia – he’s shown it in his statements. But his career and future life are at stake. He has a 250-million contract. What person would make the decision easily? An injury outside of the regular NBA competition has certain consequences and removes him from team in the upcoming season… I don’t know how insurance would cover it.”

The legendary Cvele went down the memory lane to the time when he was active and when playing for the national team was not a question that was raised.

“There’s another aspect to it. We felt a far stronger sense of belonging to the national team. I’m not criticising, I’m just talking about my time. To us, when you started out, the principal goal was the national team. I remember, when I scored my first basket, my dream was the national team. It’s a different time now, and the goal is a good contract. I wouldn’t want to be critical of Nikola, but I wouldn’t want to praise his decision either. It all depends on the person. It’s his decision, his fate, and his burden.”

Then Cvetković thought for a while and said the key sentences in relation to Nikola Jokić and his decision not to play for Serbia at the World Cup.

“Even if he were my son, I don’t know what advice I would give him. It would have to be his decision. Let me put it another way. I don’t know what I would have done! Me, and I adore my country, Serbia, and have none other. Hand on heart, If I had a €250-million contract, I don’t know what I would have done!”

Vladimir Cvetković also commented on a recent great number of criticisms by Serbs of Nikola Jokić .

“It’s probably perfectly normal for the nation to expect their best to play for Serbia. Then again, each person’s life is their own. How you bring into alignment the moral and human duties towards the nation and country that you love, on the one hand, and the career that allows you to make a living, on the other,” Vladimir Cvetković said sincerely.

Kurir sport / A. Radonić