Nikola Jovic didn't tiptoe around his reality with the Miami Heat, and it's one that carries a ton of uncertainty heading into this season. Jovic doesn't know if he's going to get a long-term extension, doesn't know what role exactly he'll play this season, and understands he may have to play out of position. A lot.
Despite all of that complexity, it's quite clear that he's going to have to play a key piece for the Heat this season if they're going to enjoy any level of success.
To begin training camp, Jovic admitted that he'd love to start for the Heat this season, but understands he may come off the bench. He also noted that he'd love to sign a long-term extension before the start of the season, but isn't sweating it either way.
Jovic also knows he might have to play at the center position this year. He isn't too worried about it, either.
Jovic said he would love to be a starter this season, but he also knows his best work last season came in a reserve role. https://t.co/cG6O9hOqQ2
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) September 29, 2025
After a strong summer, Jovic is ready to hit the ground running this season, no matter what position or role he's asked to play for Miami. That has to be considered one of the best developments from what's transpiring at Heat camp.
Nikola Jovic is ready for a bigger role
Even though none of this is all that surprising, this is a breath of fresh air considering the dark cloud that surrounded this team last year. Nevertheless, what you love most about Jovic's comments is the fact that he's clearly ready for a bigger role this season.
And the Heat will need it.
With so much overall uncertainty revolving around this team, without a clear-cut star player like Jimmy Butler, Miami is going to need some unlikely players to step up this season. Jovic could very much be one of them.
He has a great ceiling with his strong skill set, and if his performance in the EuroBasket Tournament was any indication, Jovic could throw his name in the running for the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year award.
I'm not sure if he's necessarily a favorite at this point, but if he does emerge as a starter and does put together a strong showing to begin the year, the narrative around his name will begin to shift.
And that would only be good news for the Heat.
Jovic appears ready to take a bigger role in Miami. The big question for him heading into the start of training camp is, what role will that be? A starter? A sixth man? The first big off the bench? The backup center?
No matter what it is, expect Jovic to embrace it with a positive attitude. And don't be surprised at all if he excels in it and takes his game to a completely different level this season.