NBA free agency has dominated every feed this week. But in the July qualifying window for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic both delivered for their national teams — and neither mailed it in.
SGA leads Canada to a 6-0 record
The 2025 NBA Finals MVP dropped 26 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks as Canada dismantled Puerto Rico 110-84. His second appearance brought 16 more points in a 116-78 demolition of Jamaica. Canada now sits 6-0 in Group B — one of the strongest records in the entire qualifier.
Gilgeous-Alexander has become the player other teams build their defensive schemes around at this level. The Oklahoma City star showed nothing has changed on this stage, free agency summer or not.
Jokic imposes himself as Serbia captain
It was Nikola Jokic’s first game as Serbia captain. He celebrated with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists in a 97-73 beatdown of Switzerland — a result that sealed Serbia’s spot in Round 2 of the European qualifiers. The full Jokic experience, no adjustments required.
What comes next
The Americas window runs through July 8. Europe’s qualifying round closed July 6. Both Canada and Serbia have punched their tickets to the next stage. The field for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup is taking shape.
Full results via NBA.com.
