Nikola Jovic revealed that being alongside Nikola Jokic in the Serbian national team helped him offensively and defensively. He also praised Miami Heat’s rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, arguing that his struggles in the NBA Summer League don’t mean much and that the Lithuanian guard will be a great addition to the team.
Miami Heat and Serbia’s national team forward Nikola Jovic enjoys a solid EuroBasket 2025 campaign so far.
Serbia has yet to lose a game, as the Eagles have won every one of their four games, with Jovic making solid contributions to each victory.
Nikola Jovic on lessons from Nikola Jokic
On top of that, Jovic gets to share the floor with the Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.
The Heat forward admits that spending the summer with Jokic is an immense experience.
“I learned a lot from him, offensively and defensively,” Jovic told BasketNews. “Playing with him is just easy. He’s the best player in the world. He knows what he’s doing.”
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“If you’re in the right spot at the right moment, he’ll find you. So it’s easy to play with him. He’s so smart, so talented that it’s really easy to play with him,” Jovic added.
Before joining Jokic on the Serbian national team this summer, Jovic had already taken a big leap with Miami.
In the 2024-25 campaign, the 23-year-old averaged 25 minutes, 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in 46 appearances for Miami.
Jovic assesses Heat rookie Kasparas Jakucionis
As Jovic established himself, he may also become a guide for the next wave of talent in Miami.
Kasparas Jakucionis will be another rookie who will try to find his place in Miami. And, apparently, Jovic knows him pretty well.
“I know a lot about his game,” Jovic revealed. “I followed him in college because he played with my really good friend Tomislav Ivisic, and that’s why I watched his game.”
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Jovic also admitted that he was surprised to see Jakucionis dropping to the 20th pick.
“I was really surprised when we drafted him because I really thought he was going to be like a Top 10 pick,” he said. “But it’s for sure a good pick for us. He’s a great player. I haven’t really talked to him, but I can’t wait to see him play. And I’m sure he’ll be a great piece for us.”
Similar Nikola Jovic and Kasparas Jakucionis’ experiences
Despite the hype among the Heat fan base, Jakucionis didn’t look like himself in the NBA Summer League.
In the California Summer League, the 19-year-old averaged 4.0 points (6.7% FG, 0% 3PT, 83% FT), 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 4.0 turnovers, and 1.3 steals per game in 3 appearances.
Nevertheless, Jovic recalled his own experience and expressed trust in his new teammate.
“It’s obvious he struggled a little bit in the summer at the start. But I did the same thing, I really struggled at the start. But I know he’ll be a good player,” Jovic concluded.
