If the Miami Heat are going to accomplish anything of substance this season in the Eastern Conference, they're going to have to find a way to survive the first month (at least) of the season without their All-Star guard Tyler Herro. In his eyes, there's one player who will be one of the primary players helping on that front: Nikola Jovic.
When Herro was asked which player would step up most in his absence to start the season, he quickly mentioned Jovic. He also added that he believes Jovic is going to have a "tremendous" season.
To be perfectly honest, this is not surprising at all. Especially after the momentum he's built for himself over the summer, there's a strong reason to believe that Jovic is in line for a breakout year. It also doesn't hurt that he could be playing for a new contract this year, if he and the Heat aren't able to come to an agreement before the October 20 deadline.
Nevertheless, no matter what happens on that front, it's become pretty clear: much is expected from Jovic this season.
Nikola Jovic's hype is at an all-time high
Coming off a strong showing for Team Serbia in the Eurobasket Tournament, Jovic is expected to take a big step forward this year for the Heat. He'll certainly be in the conversation to be named the starter next to Bam Adebayo, but he'll have to earn it with a strong showing in training camp.
But even if Jovic doesn't earn the starting role next to Bam, he should be one of the primary weapons for the Heat off the bench. And with Herro out of the lineup, with Norman Powell all but certainly being thrust into his spot in the starting 5, Jovic will likely be leading the second unit.
Specifically from an offensive standpoint, Jovic will be asked to fuel the second unit. With his firepower and skill set, it wouldn't be surprising if he emerged as one of the team's high-scoring players with Herro out.
The Heat will surely need it.
There's a path toward the Heat being better than expected this season, and it likely revolves around Jovic making that next jump in his development as a young player. With all these expectations, the onus will now fall on Jovic to prove himself.
One of the hardest things to do in the NBA, especially for young players, is to make that final step to stardom. That's the challenge Jovic will have this season. Make no mistake; it does seem like everyone on the Heat believes he can do it.