Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic is coming off of the worst year of his NBA career. Just one season after averaging 10.7 points on .456/.371/.828 shooting, the injury-plagued forward tallied a mere 7.3 points on a .366/.269/.683 slash line. Suffice it to say, his minutes were cut from 25.1 per game to 17.2.
Though Jovic's shortcomings are difficult to overlook, he was trending in the right direction before 2025-26 and is already getting back on track in 2026-27—even if it is just the preseason.
Jovic turned in a strong showing during the Heat's recent 129-105 preseason win over the Toronto Raptors. He posted 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in just 17 minutes, shooting 4-of-4 at the charity stripe and recording a +/- of +11 along the way.
Jovic shot just 3-of-9 from the field and 1-of-4 from beyond the arc, but he excelled in other areas that may prove even more important than his jumper in 2026-27.
Miami has built an excellent starting lineup around Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there are massive question marks in regard to their depth. The second unit has quality defenders, shooters, and even pick-and-roll options, but it lacks ideal shot creation and playmaking.
Jovic is one of the most qualified options to resolve those concerns—and if what he showed against Toronto is a sign of things to come, he'll do so.
Nikola Jovic showing out as a playmaker, help defender a promising sign
Yes, Jovic will need to stabilize his jump shot and score with at least reasonable efficiency in order to justify a high-volume role. That isn't the only thing Miami needs from him, however, as they also need a player whom they can effectively build the second unit around.
One of Tim Hardaway Jr. or Klay Thompson could be the top volume scorer, with Bobby Portis Jr. rivaling them, but none of those players have the ideal skill set to initiate or run the offense. Pelle Larsson certainly can, but his defensive responsibilities require another player to alleviate pressure.
Jovic fits the bill as a crafty playmaker and dangerous scoring threat who combines wing-like skill with a 6'10" and 240-pound frame. He's a menace in transition with his court vision and finishing, which may be the key to unlocking the potential of Miami's second unit.
With Jovic pushing the pace, shooters working around him, and Nick Richards helping the team operate the pick-and-roll, the Heat could at least build a serviceable bench.
If Jovic can improve his half-court efficiency, then Miami will have a strong foundation to build their depth upon. The starters will still shoulder a heavy burden, but Jovic can at least allow Adebayo, Antetokounmpo, and Andrew Wiggins to rest without needing to instantly return to the game to prevent an extensive offensive drought.
It's too early to say that Jovic has fixed anything, but between his play in Europe and his preseason showing, the Heat have been given reason for optimism despite his tough 2025-26 campaign.
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