All U Can Heat
Fansided

Chances Stefan Jankovic makes the final Miami Heat roster

By Wes Goldberg

March 20, 2016; Spokane , WA, USA; Hawaii Rainbow Warriors forward Stefan Jankovic (33) controls the ball against Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone (33) during the first half in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
March 20, 2016; Spokane , WA, USA; Hawaii Rainbow Warriors forward Stefan Jankovic (33) controls the ball against Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone (33) during the first half in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

There is a lot to like about the potential stretch-4 prospect after a strong summer league performance for the Miami Heat.

A D-League favorite will get his chance to compete for one of 15 spots on the Miami Heat’s final roster for this season after the team signed Stefan Jankovic Wednesday after impressive stints in both Orlando and Las Vegas this month.

The agreement gives the Heat 16 players on the roster. NBA teams are allowed 15 players for the regular season but can carry up to 20 during the off-season.

That means Jankovic will be competing with other summer league standouts Rodney McGruder and Briante Weber for the final cut. So, what are Jankovic’s chances of making the final roster?

Pros

Jankovic is an athletic forward/center who Juwan Howard, head coaching the summer league this year, projects as a stretch-4 in the NBA.

The former Big West player of the year excels at shooting, with clips of 59.7 percent from the floor, 39.3 percent from three and 77.2 percent from the free throw line his senior year at Hawaii. At 6-foot-11, 235 pounds, Jankovic has an NBA frame he has yet to completely fill out.

The NBA has evolved toward guys like Jankovic. Bigs who can spread the floor from the 4 and 5 spot are a commodity. That should be in his favor as he looks for NBA work.

Cons

Jankovic isn’t the quickest guy, which could limit his potential on defense. However, he was recruited as a 3-4 but grew two inches in college and was moved to the 4 and 5. He is quicker than some 4s and 5s, but don’t expect him to hold his own against guards on the switch at this point in his career. Against NBA talent and athleticism, he could become a liability on defense.

While his shooting percentages were strong, his relatively poor free throw shooting could be a warning of an inconsistent shooting stroke.

Despite his size, Jankovic isn’t a strong rebounder, averaging 4.5 rebounds per game through his four-year college career. And that was at the college level. Rebounds will be harder to come by against the biggest and best in the world.

So?

At this point Jankovic is essentially a one-dimensional player, and his stroke may not be as consistent as the Heat would hope. Outside of that, Jankovic has potential to be a contributor in the NBA.

more: Goran Dragic takes the keys to the Heat offense

He won’t likely make the Heat roster, but should be first in line to take an assignment with the team’s D-League affiliate the Sioux Falls Skyforce. If the Heat are able to trade Josh McRoberts during the regular season, Jankovic could see an early call up. For now, though, he seems to be a year or so away.

Home/Heat Free Agency