Opening up the Miami Heat mailbag with this question about Nikola Jovic’s role going forward.
What role do you think Jovic could make the most impact if his shooting is consistent? Any chance he could be a starting SF or PG? We didn’t get a lot of jovic-bam-ware minutes, but it was interesting
Should Nikola Jovic be Miami's point guard?
Heat Twitter loves to talk about Nikola Jovic playing point guard, and every time I see this talking point I can’t help but think someone missed the point.
Who does or doens’t is considered the nominal point guard is less important than ever.
For example, the Boston Celtics consider Jrue Holiday their point guard but he does very little initiating of their offense. If we considered usage, Jayson Tatum is more of a point guard than Holiday.
There are few true point guards in the league, and even that number is dwindling. The best teams have multiple players who can shoot, handle and pass.
That’s really where Jovic’s value is.
As a “point guard,” Jovic would be below average compared to the rest of the league. As a power forward who can playmake, he’s more unique. Special.
So let’s ditch the positional talk and just consider the context in which Jovic would be more impactful. He needs to play with a defensive anchor, within space, and at an up-tempo pace.
If Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware are the frontcourt of the future, Jovic could be the third wheel. Think Naz Reid in Minnesota. An energy big who can provide a spark for his team and a matchup issue for the opponent.
Jovic can theoretically play with Adebayo or Ware, making him an optimal third big. Whenever one subs out, Jovic subs in. He can space the floor next to either one and, if he can become a more consistent rebounder, contribute on the boards.
There may be moments when Erik Spoelstra can use Jovic alongside both Adebayo and Ware, but those minutes should be more experimental and/or matchup-specific.