The Miami Heat may need to seriously consider shutting Nikola Jovic down for the remainder of the season. After battling a nagging hip injury throughout February, and now a back issue, it could be an option that is on the table that Jovic may not want to hear.
Couple the injuries that he's had to battle this season, along with his on-the-court struggles, and this is a move that could benefit both the Heat and Jovic - both in the short and long-term. No matter how difficult it may be to swallow on the surface.
It may seem somewhat unreasonable for the Heat to consider putting Jovic on the shelf for the remainder of the year, but there are reasons why this move may be what's best for both sides.
The Heat should consider shutting Nikola Jovic down
For one, at this point in the season, if it hasn't clicked for Jovic yet, it's hard to envision how things are going to drastically change. And if the Heat are indeed going to make a run down the stretch, Erik Spoelstra needs to have his rotation on point.
The experiements need to be a thing of the past. If Miami is going to make some noise in the Eastern Conference, there needs to be some structure in place as it pertains to the rotation. Over the last couple of games, it does appear as if Spo is getting there.
Unfortunately, that hasn't included Jovic.
From all indications, even if Jovic was healthy, the Heat's best rotation likely consists of Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, Pelle Larsson, Andrew Wiggins, and Bam Adebayo, starting, with Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Simone Fontecchio, and Kel'el Ware coming off the bench.
Maybe Jovic gets some minutes over Fontecchio, but because of his struggles, it may not make the most sense.
And, again, at this point in the season, you want roles already defined for each player in the rotation. Through his struggles and injuries, it's hard to point out what exactly Jovic's role is right now. And I'd bet he admits that too.
That's why it may be better to shut Jovic down, allow him to get ready, and prepare for a fresh start next season.
It may not be a popular move, and certainly one that Jovic may not even appreciate, but this may be what's best for both the young wing and the Heat.
Better days are ahead for Jovic, and hope is that they will be in Miami. But, right now, it may be time for Jovic and the Heat to hit the reset button. The Heat ending his season could be one way to accomplish that.