Heat Teammate Urges Nikola Jovic to Be More Aggressive

Nikola Jovic was one of the more hyped young players entering this NBA season. He had a strong third year in the league, averaging 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, and showed flashes of brilliance during summer international play. 

People were expecting big things for Jovic in his fourth year. Unfortunately, things haven’t played out quite as Miami Heat fans had hoped. This season, Jovic is averaging 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He’s also seen his shooting percentages drop significantly from 37.1% from three last season to 30.3% from three this season. 

Still, Jovic is quite young and has lots of opportunities to improve. His teammate Norman Powell had some advice for the young forward. 

“We’re a totally different team when he’s aggressive, when he’s assertive on the offensive end and assertive on the defensive end as well…His versatility, I’m always on him like, ‘You’re 6–10, play like you’re 6–10.’ And when he does that and he doesn’t hesitate, he’s a totally different basketball player, and we need that from him. We need that aggressiveness because his skill set is so unique. Being able to handle the ball, push the pace, get down into the paint, find guys, shoot the three. He’s just so versatile, and even on the defensive end. His height, his length, being able to be disruptive. ... We’re a totally different team when he’s locked in and aggressive.”

Sometimes, for young players in the NBA, their ability to improve hinges on their confidence to be aggressive and look for their own shot. Many young players end up deferring to better and more experienced veterans. Jovic’s teammates don’t want this from him.

When your teammates are telling you to be more aggressive and shoot the ball more, it means they believe in you. With a bit more confidence and experience under his belt, Jovic could easily reach the heights the Heat are hoping for him.