Miami Heat Draft: Nikola Jovic, Defense, Hard Work, And Athleticism

Nikola Jovic shakes hands with NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver (L) after being selected No. 27 overall by Miami Heat during the 2022 NBA Draft(Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Nikola Jovic shakes hands with NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver (L) after being selected No. 27 overall by Miami Heat during the 2022 NBA Draft(Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Nikola Jovic is selected No. 27 overall by Miami Heat during the 2022 NBA Draft(Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Miami Heat Draft: Nikola Jovic, Defense, Hard Work, And Athleticism

When you think about defense though, it isn’t exactly the same as the offense. Offense is one of those things where most guys have it or they don’t.

Yes, you can fine-tune things and continue to develop, but if you are just a naturally gifted ballhandler or at shooting the jump shot, chances are that no matter how much another guy works, he’ll never be able to exactly replicate that ability.

No matter how many times a guy practices the fadeaway jumper, they’ll never be Kobe. No matter how many times a guy works with tennis balls, Tim Hardaway Sr’s ability to dribble the ball was just a supernatural gift.

That’s the concept being hit on here. On the other side though, it’s not that cut and dry.

A guy’s ability to defend is rooted in their desire or ability to put in hard work, outthink the opponent, and how much a guy wants it.