After the summer league concludes, it is often the “dead season” across the NBA world. Most of the big-name free agents signed their deals when free agency first opened. However, every four years, this is not the case. Starting August 27, NBA fans can tune into EuroBasket to watch some of their favorite European players represent their home countries. Unfortunately for Atlanta Hawks sophomore, Nikola Ðjurišić, this honor will have to wait, as Serbia left the 21-year-old off its 2025 EuroBasket preliminary roster.
Hawks Recent Signee Left Off Serbia EuroBasket Roster
Ðjurišić Still Has a Bright Future in International Competition
Serbia boasts a deep roster featuring numerous NBA talents. Nikola Jokić and Bogdan Bogdanović headline the roster, but it also carries other experienced NBA players like Nikola Jović, Vasilije Micić, and Tristan Vukcevic. Last summer at the Paris Olympic Games, Serbia took home bronze, and it looks to improve on that result a year later.
Even if Ðjurišić got selected, he would likely not be a part of Serbia’s deep rotation. However, head coach Svetislav Pešić made it clear Ðjurišić has an exciting international career ahead of him.
“Djurisic is also the future of Serbian basketball. We were thinking of including him, but we have a lot of experienced players in that position… He’s an excellent boy, hardworking, he managed to break through after all the injuries that befell him and signed a contract with the Atlanta Hawks.”
Ðjurišić suffered a fractured left foot at the 2024 summer league and was shut down until November. He spent all of last season with the College Park Skyhawks before signing a three-year, $5.9 million contract with Atlanta this summer. Right before the Hawks’ first game in Las Vegas, Ðjurišić signed his deal.
Ðjurišić’s 2025 Summer League and Upcoming Role
Ðjurišić played a crucial role in helping the Hawks go 4-1 in Las Vegas. Atlanta did not qualify for the summer league playoffs after a 4-0 record due to point differential. Ðjurišić averaged 11.8 points, 3.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and shot 47.2% from the field. His ability to handle the rock and attack downhill with ease at 6-foot-7 is intriguing.
Niko Euro
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— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 11, 2025
He consistently got to the rim, forcing defenses to collapse. Ðjurišić also displayed great passing vision and quick decision-making.
Niko spots Asa
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— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 17, 2025
However, Ðjurišić must improve his perimeter shooting and defense to contribute at the highest levels of competition. He shot 1-4 from deep in four games at summer league and 18.1% on 3.5 attempts last season with the Skyhawks. He will likely work with Kyle Korver, Atlanta’s assistant general manager, to develop his outside shot. Once he finds the range, he can use his burst off the dribble to punish aggressive closeouts. Despite his speed and agility with the ball in his hands, Ðjurišić also struggled to keep opposing guards in front.
Ðjurišić is unlikely to play in the rotation with Atlanta adding numerous new pieces this offseason. The Hawks could send him to College Park so he could receive consistent playing time rather than sitting on the bench. Mouhamed Gueye went the same route in his rookie season. Both Serbia and the Hawks hold Ðjurišić in high regard for their futures.
Photo credit: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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