Nikola Jovic, the new great Serbian talent in the NBA, has an enviable cover letter that recalls and rivals, even improves, the one that Nikola Jokic He wore it in 2014 when he was chosen by the Denver Nuggets in 41st place in the Draft during an advertisement for a fast food restaurant chain. The 18-year-old Mega Basket player, the same team that formed the current MVP of the American league, was chosen by the Miami Heat on the Draft position 27an ideal team with a demanding but open work culture that allows the good development of young promises.
Starter with the Mega in the 2021-2022 season and with averages of 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 27.8 minutes of play (43% FG; 36% 3P), Jovic is a 2.08 meter forward with point guard skills. Able to perform from 1 to 4 classics, the player broke out during the Under-19 World Cup with an average of 18.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in the championship. Making his debut on the opening day of the NBA in October, Jovic will become the youngest player to wear a Heat jersey ahead of Justise Winslow, Tyler Herro, Michael Beasley and Dorell Wright.
Jovic, in his first statements after being chosen, was very pleased to land in Miami. “For me they are the ideal fit, especially since they aspire to win the ring. I always compete and I always want to win, so I love it”, said the Serbian, who turned 19 on June 9. Coming to a team with a defensive profile, the player also highlighted that less celebrated facet of his game: “What many people do not see is that I have improved a lot in defense. I’m a big outside who can rebrand with just about everyone. Soon I will be a very good defender.”
born in englandwhere his father Ilija played basketball at the time, Jovic grew up playing water polo at a great level, but switched to basketball as a teenager. In 2018, he moved from KK Sava to the formative categories of Mega, the great pool of Balkan talent in the last decade.
Mega Basket talents in the Draft
’07
Milovan Rakovic: 60th place, Dallas Mavericks*
’14
Nikola Jokic: 41st place, Denver Nuggets
’14
Vasilije Micic: 52nd place, Philadelphia 76ers*
’14
Nemanja Dangubic: puesto 54, Philadelphia 76ers *
’16
Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot: 24th place, 76ers
’16
Ivica Zubac: 32nd place, Los Angeles Lakers
’16
Rade Zagorac: puesto 35, Boston Celtics *
’17
Vlatko Cancar: 49th place, Denver Nuggets
’17
Ognjen Jaramaz: puesto 58, New York Knicks *
’17
Alpha Kaba: 60th place, Atlanta Hawks*
’19
Goga Bitzade: 18th place, Indiana Pacers
’20
Marko Simonovic: 44th place, Chicago Bulls
’21
Filip Petrusev: 50th place, Philadelphia 76ers*
’22
Nikola Jovic: 27th place, Miami Heat*
’22
Karlo Matkovic: 52nd place, New Orleans Pelicans*
*
Players who have not debuted in the NBA
His first appearance on the talent radar was in March 2021, when he averaged 29.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 blocks at the ANGT tournament in Belgrade Also, his team won. The scouts value the player for his size, his ability to bounce, pass and shoot, a variety of skills that make him a very complete player for his age.
Pat Riley, a master scout, celebrated the player’s choice with a raised fist and then welcomed him to the team: “We’re excited to have you. You’re going to love it here. We work hard, but you will get a lot of positive things from here and you can be proud.” Speaking to the Sun Sentinel from Miami, Riley highlighted his interest in the Serbian throughout this year: “It was one of our priorities, and we all went to see him by turns. She has always been under our radar.”
After the excitement of the night of the Draft, the data also supports the potential of Jovic, the first Serb to be selected in the first round since Darko Milicic in 2003. The new Nikola of the NBA promises to contribute from the first minute in Miami.
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