The Miami Heat have things to sort out as they continue to chug along in their preseason. Losing their first contest of the preseason to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, they’ll look to get back on the right side of things on Thursday as they take on the Brooklyn Nets.
Though Caleb Martin had a good showing, calming some of the tension about him being the team’s main starting option at the power forward spot to begin the year and possibly throughout, there may still be some opportunity for another guy or two to have a sizeable role in some of those minutes.
And while there are a few names to possibly choose from such as Haywood Highsmith, Darius Days, and heck, even Bam Adebayo, among a few others, there is one other guy that may pique interest at a higher level than any other and simply for what he could look like beside Bam.
The Miami Heat took a shot on a Euro big guard type in the latest Draft. With high upside, the key for Nikola Jovic this year is how much he actually plays.
That would be Nikola Jovic. And with that, here’s his most important stat heading into this, his rookie season, the 2022-23 year.
Nikola Jovic’s Most Important Stat Heading Into 2022-23: Games Played
Projection: 45 plus games
Only playing six minutes in their first preseason game, Jovic did get a couple of shots at the basket. He would finish that small batch of minutes with just five points and an assist on 2-3 from the field and 1-2 from range.
His overall versatility, ability to do some things that guards and wings do at his size, and his ability to shoot it are what make him a very intriguing prospect. And if you can ever let yourself go so far as to imagine what all that could look like alongside Bam Adebayo in a, somewhat, interchangeable capacity—man, could that be special?
That’s why, for the young Jovic, the most important thing for him right now is his development, how fast he can get up to speed, actually play, and see his natural game or approach to the game translate to the NBA level. And ultimately, that’s why the amount of games he actually plays in this year is his most important stat.
It’s all about time on the floor with his new teammates with him and every other thing should fall right in line afterward. Especially if the Miami Heat’s track record of development is the cue to be taken in this situation.