With the way last season ended, there's no way the Miami Heat operated this summer with any expectation that Nikola Jovic was going to play a big part in the Giannis Antetokounmpo era. However, with his excellent play with Team Serbia in FIBA competition this summer, the curious case of Jovic just may have taken another unexpected turn.
At the very least, Jovic's strong performance this summer in FIBA competition is going to give the Heat something else to think about heading into training camp.
During Team Serbia's most recent win over Iceland, Jovic finished with 21 points, three rebounds, and two assists on 9-15 shooting from the field. But Jovic hasn't been a one-game wonder this summer. In fact, before the game against Iceland, Jovic was averaging 27 points and three rebounds on 70 percent shooting from the field.
Nikola Jovic could transform the Heat's expectations
Of course, this is not a huge surprise for Heat fans. Jovic had a few similar impressive showings last summer before he inked an extension with the Heat. And we all know how last season turned out.
The big question is whether this cycle will be any different. If it is, it could complicate (in a good way) the Heat's rotation heading into the start of the season. If Jovic can carry this momentum into the start of the new campaign, the Heat's supporting cast will get another much-needed boost.
Jovic has the skill set that would fit gracefully next to Giannis and Bam Adebayo. His playmaking and vision with the ball in his hands, along with an improving 3-point shot, would be a welcome sight for a Heat supporting cast that already has its limitations.
If Jovic can offer that consistent punch off the bench as a secondary playmaker, there's no question it puts the Heat in a much better position than they are right now. But, of course, there's no guarantee he can do that. And that's the big question mark with Jovic's recent developmental path.
There was hope that Jovic was going to make that leap in his game last season, but it just didn't happen. The only reason why the Heat didn't end up trading him this offseason was because of that contract. But if Jovic does make that leap this season, it could end up working out in his favor.
At this point, it's impossible to predict how this season will unfold for Jovic. He's certainly hoping this season plays out a lot differently than last year. And so is the team.
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