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Jokic to play for Serbia in 2019 FIBA World Cup

NBA, Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic is taking his talents to the world stage.

The 24-year-old announced on Friday that he will be playing in the 2019 FIBA World Cup for his native Serbia.

"I am very pleased with everything I did in the NBA this season. I had a great year in which I performed at the All-Star Game and was selected [to the All-NBA first team]. For me, the cherry on top of this whole season would be a medal with the national team," Jokić told Serbian State News Agency. "I am fully prepared to do my best to achieve this goal."

The center had a breakout season in his fourth year, averaging 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists. He also helped carry the Nuggets to their first Western Conference semifinals series in a decade.

Jokic already has two silver medals as a member of the Serbia national team, with his most recent one coming after a loss to the U.S. in the 2016 Olympic Games.

The 2019 FIBA World Cup begins Aug. 31 in China.

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