Chicago basketball player Nikola Vucevic said that he would like to play in the Montenegrin national team jersey at the World Cup (WC), but that he has not yet discussed it with coach Boško Radović.
In an interview with the MINA agency, he said that the Montenegrin basketball players achieved great success by qualifying for the world championship.
"As far as I'm concerned, I have a desire to play at the World Cup. I would like to be a participant in the championship, just like four years ago in China. I would like to, but I have not yet discussed this with coach Boško Radović and the president of the Basketball Association, Nikola Peković," he said. is Vucevic.
He said that he expects to hear soon and discuss the preparation plan for the world championship.
"I expect that we will hear from each other soon and discuss plans for preparations and the World Cup. So far we have not heard from each other on that occasion, I just congratulated the coach on the placement at the World Championship," said Vučević.
He emphasized that placing at the WC is a huge success for the country's representation with only 650 thousand inhabitants.
"It's a great result to participate in the WC again. Kudos to the boys for the great qualifications," said Vucevic.
Commenting on the results of Chicago in the NBA League this season, he said that the expectations were higher than what they provided in the previous part of the competition.
"It's certainly not the season we expected. We thought that we would be better placed in the table, that we would play better. However, we have a problem with continuity. I don't know the real reason for the oscillations and drops in the game. After several victories and excellent games, they would tie 3 - 4 defeats. That happens to us alternately during the season," said Vucevic.
He emphasized that there are still 14 games left and that Chicago will do everything they can to reach the playoffs.
"It will not be easy to reach the playoffs, but we have the necessary quality to do so. We will try to get the most out of it and enter the play-offs, and then the playoffs. In the playoffs, everything is possible," said Vučević. .
He emphasized that Chicago's releases were affected by the absence of point guard Lonzo Ball.
"He is the organizer of the game and has great importance for us. Everyone knows how important that position is, and he would mean a lot to us in defense as well. Zach Levin did not play all the games, and neither did Demar Derozan. We will try to finish the season in the best possible way and draw the most out of her," the Chicago center said.
Commenting on his releases in the Chicago jersey, Vucevic said that he is satisfied with his game this season and that he continues to play well.
"I am satisfied, especially since it is a period that comes after an extremely difficult last season, due to getting used to a new role and teammates, to a new club. Because of all this, last year I did not play as well as I know, although it was also a good season for me. This season is even better, which was expected, I got used to it, and we changed the style of play, which suits me better. A good season for me, but the most important thing is that the team plays well and achieves its goals," said Vucevic.
Speaking about club friend Marko Simonović, he said that the young center did well.
"He mostly played in the Development League and had great games with great numbers. I think he has a chance to stay in the NBA, to get a real opportunity and show what he knows. The problem is that Chicago has a lot of players at the center position and there aren't many for Simonović minutes. He is hardworking, works great and tries to improve. You have to be patient and wait for the right chance, sure that it will come," Vucevic said.
He believes that Nikola Jokić deserves to be the most useful player in the regular course of the NBA League this season as well.
"He's playing great, another great season, averaging a triple-double. He's putting up incredible numbers, with an incredible fielding percentage. He deserves to be MVP again. When he has a triple-double, Denver has a record of 26 wins and a loss, which is almost experienced", said Vucevic.
According to him, Denver would certainly not be first in the West and one of the best in the league without Jokić.
"He is the main factor in Denver's game. That's why he deserves to be MVP," said Vucevic.
He pointed out that Phoenix is the favorite in the West, and Milwaukee in the East.
"In the West, it is now Phoenix after bringing in Kevin Durant. With him, they went to a higher level. There is also Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Diandre Ayton. They have an experienced team, which has already played in the finals," said Vucevic.
He believes that Milwaukee is the first favorite in the East.
"It is an experienced team, which has been together for a long time. They are led by Janis Adetokumpo. They play great even during the regular part. If they are complete, it is difficult for anyone to stop them in the East," concluded Vucevic.
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