The Miami Heat appear to have their starting frontcourt locked in with Bam Adebayo at the 5, Giannis Antetokounmpo at the 4, and Andrew Wiggins at the 3. Behind them, however, are two of the most important players on the roster: Nikola Jovic and Bobby Portis.
Jovic has long been an enigmatic figure in Miami, but his potential may finally be realized now that they've paired him with Portis in pivotal roles as the leaders of the second unit.
Jovic, 23, looked the part of a rising star during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Between those two seasons, he produced averages that translated to 14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.5 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes on .454/.383/.784 shooting.
Beyond the numbers, he emerged as a 6'10" playmaker who could create for himself and others, all the while spacing the floor with volume and efficiency.
Unfortunately, Jovic played just 17.2 minutes per game in 2025-26. He also experienced a devastating decline in regard to his efficiency, shooting at an uncharacteristically poor clip of .366/.269/.683. From top to bottom, it was a shockingly poor season.
Thankfully, with Portis entering the mix, Jovic should be able to get back on track and reemerge as a dynamic playmaker and sharpshooting 6'10" hybrid forward.
Nikola Jovic needed a big like Bobby Portis to right the ship
Jovic's success as a ball handler has typically come in transition, where he can operate as a matchup nightmare due to his size and skill. The question mark, however, has been whether or not he can translate his success to a half court environment.
Portis is the perfect player to unlock that potential, as he shot 45.6 percent from beyond the arc in 2025-26 and could thus create a fascinating pick-and-pop combination with Jovic.
Portis' ability to knock down threes with elite efficiency should also optimize spacing for Jovic to operate within as a scorer. He showed how valuable that can be, as he already ranked in the 74th percentile in one on one shot making efficiency in 2024-25.
The spacing Portis provides should also help Jovic get more post-up opportunities. That's a promising sign considering he ranked in the 90th percentile in stable post up points per possession in 2024-25.
Jovic will still need to improve upon a woeful 2025-26 season and rediscover his previous form. If he does so, however, then having a proven and productive veteran whose game suits his own should at least simplify the process of thriving with the second unit.
If Jovic can capitalize on this golden opportunity, then the Heat could finally see him translate his remarkable potential to consistency.
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