(Photo via Getty Images)
As one of the most underrated players on the Miami Heat roster, Nikola Jovic is expected to have a crucial role this upcoming 2025-26 season.
The 22 years old 6-foot-10 forward had his previous season in Miami limited to just 46 games played due to injury. He was thrown right back into the fire in the Heat’s short-lived playoff appearance, and made an instant impact off coach Erik Spoelstra’s bench in his postseason outings.
In the final game of the team’s first round sweep at the hands of the top seed Cleveland Cavaliers, Jovic posted 24 points. He was virtually the only lone bright spot in what was an abysmal performance from the Heat on their home floor to end their season.
But for this new campaign, Jovic will be even more utilized. He is the only player height wise capable of rotating with Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware in the frontcourt, due to Miami’s lack of big man depth.
Jovic is assuredly a much more effective power forward, but there could be times where he plays at center in the event that Adebayo or Ware get hurt or get into foul trouble. Regardless, he is expected to be a heavy part of the rotation.
Nikola Jovic averaged 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 46% shooting and 37% from 3-point range last season.
Luckily for the Heat, Jovic has remained extremely active this offseason while playing in the Euro Basket. And he has looked impressive.
He averaged 11.8 points in group play and has had some encouraging outings along the way, including a recent 18-point statline against Portugal.
Additionally, Jovic credited his impact to playing next to multi-time MVP Nikola Jokic in their lineup.
Jovic has a lot of untapped talent and potential, especially as a playmaker. And who better to learn how to sharpen some elite playmaking skills than from Jokic? It’s been evident that Jovic is at his best with the ball in his hands, either attacking downhill ot creating for himself and others.
He is capable of pushing tempo in transition to generate easy offense, along with spreading the floor as an outside shooter. Eyes will surely be on Jovic and his continued growth from the start of this new season— and he could emerge as a legitimate X-factor for this Heat team.
Goran Dragic recently iterated in an interview with Brendan Tobin that he is expecting “big things” out of Niko going into the new year for the Heat.
Of course, Dragic would often come back as a much improved Heat player himself back in the day after participating in Euro play in the offseason.
The best is still far from Jovic at this point of his career. But perhaps a busy offseason of working on his skills can have him return from the Euro Basket as a real ceiling raiser for Spoelstra in Miami.
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congrats to mr arison on his election to hof.you are a great owner.best move bringing pat down here from dreaded ny.pat drafts d wade and those two moves got u into hof
Jovic is an example of a late bloomer. It may still take 2-3 years for him to reach his peak. With more bulk, experience and confidence, who knows how good he can be. It would be wise for Miami to sign him to a four year extension this season. 4 years/$50M-$60M sounds about right.
not so fast hasnt done squat yet
If Jovic does “squat” this season, he may be too expensive for the Heat to sign a year from now when he is a free agent.
Either pay him or trade him before the season for a big to replace him.
what has he done to pay him .need to see more.hes tall but not a pf.whats his game he does everything but nothing that great.
Players who do everything, but nothing that great, are being paid $12-15m very commonly in the NBA.
I took a look at the 9 players chosen before Jovic. The only players who are clearly better than Jovic are Kessler and Braun.
For reference, Moore, Wesley, Beauchamp, Roddy, Kessler, Braun, Branham, LaRavia, and Terry were picks 26 to 18.
Jovic is an asset with upside. At 22 years of age, he’s about the same age as players drafted this year. 11/4/3 at this stage? Pay him or, as SM says, trade him before he is a free agent. I think he will be a solid 6th or 7th man this season. I want him to stay. Pay him now.
What will become very apparent as the season continues is which players are worth keeping and which ones aren’t. If Jovic is a keeper, pay him. If he isn’t, trade him before he walks.
I agree, Jovic should definitely be a #6-7 rotation guy this season. He has grown quite a bit this offseason playing alongside the best player in the world, Jokic. Who knows, if Miami pays/keeps him and Wiggins walks, Jovic may be the team’s starting SF in 2026-2027.
Ware, Bam and Jovic sounds like a pretty impressive front line. Then, all Riley would need to do is trade Herro and a couple of other players for an all-star level PG and sign or trade for a quality rotation PF/C.
He is definitely worth that now. He can be worth much more in a year.
I believe he will receive a kind of offer from Heat soon.
he is consistently inconsistent.u dont pay him yet..u need to see a whole year of consistent bball.yet to see it.i think pelles gonna be a better player id pay him before shnozic
No need to pay Pelle now, still on his rookie contract. The team has him under contract for 2 more years. Totally different situation.
Exactly! Milk the rookie contracts as much as possible before deciding whether to keep, trade or allow them to walk. OKC has handled that process masterfully.
just saw jimmy butler at us open tennis.does the natl media understand his pitiful behavior down here.that is somebody whos face should not be shown on natl tv.he embarassed professional athletes
usa bros waiting for him.europe bball dont matter