Nikola Jovic didn’t waste any time in the Miami Heat’s first preseason game to prove that he may very well be the team’s next star player. In just 11 minutes, Jovic not only proved that he was worth his recent contract extension, but he also showed why the Heat is so high on his potential.
Getting the nod in the starting lineup (over Kel’el Ware) as the second big next to Bam Adebayo, Jovic looked like the right fit in the team’s new-look, quick-hitting offense. The Heat pushed the pace, and Jovic looked right at home at the power forward position.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra only played the regular starters during the first half, but that was enough to give Heat fans just enough hope. Jovic finished with 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists on 50 percent shooting from the field in just 11 minutes of action.
The Heat ended up losing their first preseason game against the Orlando Magic, but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that Jovic appears to be a star in the making.
It’s still an open debate as to how high a ceiling Jovic may have, but the talent is clearly there. And it did appear as if he’s carrying the confidence that he built over the summer into this season.
Other notes from preseason
In addition to Jovic looking like a budding big-time player, there were other interesting tidbits that could be taken from the Heat’s opening preseason game. Aside from the obvious that Andrew Wiggins looked great, Bam Adebayo’s primary role on offense and his aggressiveness were clear.
With Tyler Herro out, I suppose this is going to be more common, but it did seem as if there was a concerted effort to feature Bam more in the offense. Ware may not have started at the center position, but he did look solid as the backup 5. Perhaps this is a role he’ll be asked to embrace with the expected rise of Jovic.
Dru Smith also left an impression after being a full-go less than a year after he suffered a torn Achilles injury. It was impressive to see, and it’s clearly a big reason why Spo and the Heat are big fans of his. Despite the Heat’s injuries in the backcourt, it’d be shocking if Smith didn’t find a role in the rotation for the team this season.
