Nikola Jovic is theoretically the perfect fit at the power forward position next to Bam Adebayo, but he'll need to prove that he can remain healthy. ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps perfectly relayed this message, as he points out that Jovic has only played in 107 games through the first three years of his career with the Miami Heat.
This is a sentiment that is shared amongst most Heat fans. While the move to lock up Jovic is universally embraced, he'll certainly have his work cut out for him to prove his worth. When he's been healthy, he's proven to be a valuable piece of the Heat's long-term puzzle.
Of course, the problem is, he's struggled with injuries throughout his early career.
The Nikola Jovic injury concerns
Through three years, Jovic has never played more than 50 games in a season so far. It's part of the reason why it's been somewhat difficult for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to consistently rely on him. That will have to change, especially after this recent extension.
And that's what the Heat are clearly betting on. Even though he only played in 46 games this past season, Jovic averaged a career-high 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists on 46 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from 3-point range.
He added the hype to how he closed last season with an equally strong showing for Team Serbia in the EuroBasket Tournament, in which he averaged 13 points on 60 percent shooting from the field, including three truly standout individual performances.
The Heat are betting on the Nikola Jovic fit
If he can be that consistent player next to Bam, as he was alongside Nikola Jokic with Serbia, this deal will be well worth it for the Heat. But that's a big "if."
In addition, the Heat is also banking on Jovic taking another step forward in his development as a player. Should he make that jump the Heat are expecting him to make, he could help create one of the most dynamic frontcourt duos, along with Bam, in the Eastern Conference.
All of this promising hope begins with a full bill of health. That's what both Jovic and the Heat are banking on as his new contract extension prepares to kick in. One thing is for sure, though, and it's that if he is able to remain healthy, there's no question that this is a pairing that could work out swimmingly for both sides.