Over the last two games, Nikola Jovic has given the Miami Heat another reason, perhaps a somewhat unexpected one, for optimism. Because if Jovic's recent play is here to stay, it could certainly play a big role in turning the team's season around.
After a pretty disastrous start to the year, Jovic has shown some real signs of promise over his last two outings. In games against the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets, Jovic has averaged 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 54 percent shooting from the field.
It's just two games, but the Heat have to be encouraged by what they're seeing from Jovic over the last couple of games.
Nikola Jovic may have turned things around
Entering this year with high expectations, Jovic's play to start the year was extremely discouraging. Pegged as many to be a breakout candidate for the Heat, things got so bad to start the year that Jovic had fallen out of the team's rotation.
Slowly battling his way back, the hope is that he's perhaps turned the corner on his previous struggles. But, again, two games are nothing to crown Jovic about.
The challenge, of course, for Jovic now will be to string positive performances together.
That could be easier said than done, but it does appear as if he's gaining a little more confidence, which was something that he clearly lacked as he began to struggle a few weeks ago.
The talent surrounding Jovic was never in question. Even through his struggles, Jovic was always considered to be one of the most talented players on the Heat's roster. It was more of a confidence and fit issue for Jovic.
But it appears that he may finally be answering those questions with his play of late.
And if Erik Spoelstra is still willing to trust him despite his early-season struggles, Jovic's recent play could help make all the difference for the struggling Heat.
As Miami looks to find ways to not only right the ship but also establish consistent success heading into the second half of the season, Jovic could play a key role in the frontcourt.
In theory, Jovic is a great fit next to both Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware. Even though he wasn't able to prove that to start the year, there's reason to believe he can add another element to this Heat team moving forward.
But all of that hinges on whether Jovic has truly turned the corner on his early-season struggles. The recent signs are certainly promising.