Nikola Jovic really took a step forward in his second season after an injury-plagued rookie season with the Miami Heat . He was previously selected 27th overall by Miami in the 2022 NBA Draft. After also experiencing troubles with his play when in the lineup as a rookie, he became a mostly full-time starter for head coach Erik Spoelstra in his second year.
The 21-year-old was expected to be an important piece for Serbia as well in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately for himself and Serbia, it doesn’t seem likely that he will step on the court for them.
Nikola Jokic Expected To Miss Olympics For Serbia
Nikola Jovic Sustained An Ankle Injury
As previously reported by EuroHoops.net, Jovic sustained a fractured ankle joint sometime in June. It must have occurred sometime in the offseason, as Jovic played and started in all five games in the Heat’s first-round series loss to the Boston Celtics. That series also was completed on May 1.
Jovic was the 27th overall pick in 2022. The six-foot-ten Jovic did struggle in his NBA rookie season in 2022-23, and he missed much time with a back injury. He would go on to play just 15 games for the Heat. In 13.6 minutes per outing, the power forward averaged 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. Jovic really struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just eight of his 35 attempts (22.9%). He also spent time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the G League.
No sophomore slump was exhibited by Jovic last season, as he played with much more confidence. Jovic was in the starting lineup for 38 of his 46 appearances. In 19.5 minutes per game, his averages increased to 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He was much more accurate from three-point territory making 39.9% of his tries. After having both 10 assists and turnovers as a rookie, he had 90 assists to 42 turnovers in 2023-24. The Heat were very impressed with Jovic’s production and view him as an important part of the team’s future. Jovic’s size and well-rounded skill set make him an intriguing young player.
Nikola Jokic Is Still Around
While Jovic was expected to be starting in Serbia’s frontcourt, they still have arguably the best basketball player in the world. Nikola Jokic, three-time NBA MVP, should give the opposition fits throughout the Olympics. As a result, Serbia remains one of the top teams in the Olympics.
On Friday, Serbia played France in an exhibition. Serbia secured the win by the score of 79-67. In a matchup between two of the most talented big men, Jokic outplayed Victor Wembanyama. While the 29-year-old Jokic fouled out in the fourth quarter, he finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Other NBA players on the Serbian national team are Bogdan Bogdanovic, Vasilije Micic, and Filip Petrusev. Serbia will be in Group C for the group phase of the 2024 Olympics along with the United States, South Sudan, and Latvia. Serbia’s first game will be against the US on July 28th.
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