Despite a dearth of playing time, Heat’s Superstar has a plan.

 

 

So far in the 2023-24 season, the Miami Heat are 8-4. Despite Miami’s strong play, one significant roster question surrounds around Nikola Jovic. According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra disclosed Miami’s plan for Jovic amid his lack of playing time.

“When asked about sending Nikola Jovic to Sioux Falls, Erik Spoelstra responds, ‘he needs to play.’ Jovic will also participate in a few games for the Skyforce, according to Chiang.

Jovic, 20, averaged 13.6 minutes per game in his debut season in 2022-23. Jovic played in a total of 15 games that season.

He is currently averaging 14 minutes per game with the Heat in 2023-24, however he has only featured in two games. The Heat want to see more of Jovic, but Miami’s current roster structure makes it difficult for Spoelstra to find methods to get Jovic into games.

Jovic is also eager to play. Given his current circumstances with the Heat, a trip in the G League may be the best choice for Jovic.

 

 

“All I want to do is play.” “That’s it,” Jovic said, also through Chiang.

The Heat have faith in Jovic’s abilities. However, there isn’t much room on the depth chart for him right now.

The Heat’s starting center is Bam Adebayo. Haywood Highsmith, Kevin Love, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Thomas Bryant are also candidates for playing time. As a result, Jovic, who can play center or power forward, will see limited playing time.

For the time being, the Heat are relegating Jovic to the G League. However, if required, Miami will return Jovic to the NBA roster. For the time being, Jovic wants more playing time, and the Heat are attempting to include him more, so the G League move makes sense.

READ MORE:

Haywood Highsmith has set a huge goal for himself as a defensive end for the Miami Heat this season.

 

 

Haywood Highsmith has only been in the Miami Heat starting lineup for a short time, but the 26-year-old is already targeting an NBA All-Defensive team spot this season.

“Being myself, being the defender I know I can be,” added Highsmith. “I previously stated that I aspire to be All-Defensive Team.” So I’m just doing what I said I’d do.

“I could see myself making an All-Defensive team because I feel like I can guard a variety of positions, I’m active and have long arms, quickness, and strength.” Making the All-Defensive team this season is absolutely a goal for me. It is, without a doubt, an attainable aim.”

Highsmith has nine thefts and seven blocked shots in seven games since entering the Miami starting lineup on Nov. 3 against the Washington Wizards. More importantly, the Heat have not lost with him as a starter this season, riding a seven-game winning streak that was extended on Thursday with a 122-115 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Miami will try to make it eight in a row against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.

 

 

Highsmith got five steals and two blocked shots in a 111-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday as part of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament. As part of the framework for the in-season competition, point difference might be used as an essential tiebreaker, so any defensive contributions could be amplified in helping to keep an opponent’s score down.

Highsmith’s rise to prominence has coincided with the absence of colleague Tyler Herro due to injury. The 23-year-old has not played since injured his ankle on Nov. 8 against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Heat’s third game in a row.

Herro is better recognized for his attacking prowess — he is averaging 22.9 points per game this season — than for his defensive ability. With Highsmith in the lineup and playing significant minutes, the Heat’s style of play and responsibilities change slightly.

In Herro’s absence, franchise player Jimmy Butler has filled the void with 32 and 36 points on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. He recently stated that his goal for this season is to shoot 50% from 3-point range.

Bam Adebayo is also off to a hot start, averaging 22.7 points per game, which if maintained would be the highest number of his NBA career thus far.

Having Highsmith available to help on defense has obviously benefited the Heat thus far. If he can keep it up — and Herro returns to help the offense — Miami will likely be among the top teams in the Eastern Conference and a potential title candidate.