EAST RUTHERFORD - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Aleksandar Pavlovic is returning to NBA action on Wednesday after missing 23 games with a foot injury but the Serbian said the injury probably ended his 2008 Olympic dream.
Pavlovic, who has averaged 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in starting 35 of 38 games he has played this season, will suit up for Wednesday's game against the New Jersey Nets but does not think he will play for his national team in Beijing.
"I have to recover this summer... especially after this injury," Pavlovic, 24, told Reuters after a practice session.
"I was going to play but I don't think so," said Pavlovic, who played in the 2004 Olympics for Serbia & Montenegro.
Pavlovic, who sprained his left foot in a January 23 game against Washington, felt bad about missing an opportunity to compete for Serbia, who have yet to qualify for Beijing.
"I always want to play for my country but now I'm not going to do it," he said.
'GOOD SEASON'
However, Pavlovic, a draft pick in 2003, was eager to get back on the hardwood for the Cavs. Last year's Eastern Conference champions are now fourth-best in the conference at 37-27.
"I'm excited to be on the floor," Pavlovic said. "I can't wait to play basketball again. I haven't played for so long but I feel very good. I practiced a couple of times. I think I'm going to be all right."
The Cavaliers, behind the spectacular play of LeBron James, who is averaging 30.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists, have won five of their last six games.
Despite a rash of injuries, the Cavs have kept pace. They have also been bolstered by the arrivals of center Ben Wallace, forwards Joe Smith and Wally Szczerbiak, and guard Delonte West last month.
Pavlovic, who got off to a slow start this season after missing training camp in a contract holdout before signing a three-year, $13 million deal, said the Cavs can only improve.
"I think we're having a good season and now after the trade I think we can do even better," he said. "We have great players. I think we're going to go as far as last year. We just got to work together and adjust this team after the trade.
"That's why I think we have a good team. We don't have everybody yet but we're playing good and winning games. That's a good sign for us, I think."
