Although the Denver Nuggets fell short in their bid for a second straight NBA championship this year, Nikola Jokic might still have less time to relax this summer. The superstar center is listed on Serbia's preliminary roster for the 2024 Olympics, per DNVR Sports' Harrison Wind.

Those who follow Jokic closely know how much national pride he exudes. The 2023 Finals MVP famously bemoaned the fact that he would have to wait a few more days to return to his beloved home country when the Nuggets won their first title in franchise history. Jokic won a Silver Medal with Serbia at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016, but his competitive hunger might still need to be fed after being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Playoffs.

Since Denver's 2022-23 season ended in June, the 29-year-old opted to skip the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Serbia still earned a runner-up finish without him, so there is no telling how high this squad's ceiling could be if the player widely considered to be the best in the world today is suiting up. Competing in Paris could also be a useful tune-up for him before the 2024-25 NBA campaign tips off in the fall.

Rising Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic, Atlanta Hawks veteran Bogdan Bogdanovic and Charlotte Hornets players Aleksej Pokusevski and Vasilije Micic, among others, also headline the initial list of names. With Team USA assembling a supremely loaded roster, could Nikola Jokic be motivated for the ultimate global challenge?

Nikola Jokic would wow fans in Paris

While his superstar stock might have taken a slight hit following the Nuggets' Game 7 implosion versus the Wolves in the Western Conference Semifinals, the three-time MVP still has the ability to entrance basketball fans all over the world with his unique and polished skill set. The playmaking extraordinaire automatically increases the level of entertainment in an event that is seldom competitive anymore.

Serbia would have a prime opportunity to reach the medal podium in the Summer Games, something that is not guaranteed in a field consisting of France, Spain, Lithuania and Germany. Jokic, who averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season, is always a headache for opponents.

His elite combination of court vision and touch around the basket would demand the Paris limelight. The NBA has done a nice job of increasing its international influence, but in a gathering of so many generational talents, it is only fitting that this anomaly takes the court.

Jokic's horses might have to wish him farewell for a while if he decides he wants another shot to win some additional hardware. Group play begins at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Saturday, July 27.