Nikola Jovic might just be joining Tyler Herro as a player that looks to prove the Miami Heat wrong this NBA season. As many fans should certainly be aware, the Heat were considered by many to be the clear-cut favorites in acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. After all, the star point guard initially made it very clear that he was not interested in being traded to any other team except the Miami Heat.
We all know that his preference was not taken too seriously by the Blazers as Dame ended up joining the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal that also included the Phoenix Suns. However, one could argue that the effects of the Heat’s eagerness to acquire Lillard might have seriously impacted the team’s chemistry. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
Will Nikola Jovic be a starter for the Miami Heat this season?
Since the Miami Heat knew that acquiring Damian Lillard would turn them into championship contenders for the near future, they allegedly offered several trade packages to the Portland Trail Blazers in the hopes of getting the team to accept one of those deals. Most of the trade discussions revolved around Tyler Herro. However, a fair share also included Nikola Jovic.
To those who do not know much about Jovic, he is a rookie for the Miami Heat and has played in 15 NBA games. Nonetheless, the Heat were quick to include him in the various potential trade packages that they offered the Portland Trail Blazers.
Now, reports have emerged revealing that Jovic has gone through an incredible physical transformation and put on over 15 lbs of muscle in the NBA offseason. Additionally, the reports also claim that he is expected to play a significant role for the Heat this season, potentially to display his value to the team and make them regret involving him in trade discussions.
Nikola Jovic is expected to play a “significant role” for the Heat this season after not being traded for Damian Lillard.
The 20-year-old has also gained over 15 pounds of muscle. pic.twitter.com/ApilibJQ49
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 4, 2023
Since Miami was unable to acquire any notable NBA stars this offseason, it is fully possible for Jovic to be given a starting spot for the team. Especially if his alleged physical transformation has also led to the growth of his basketball skills. In any case, we look forward to seeing what Jovic and Herro are capable of accomplishing for the Heat this season.