The Miami Heat are in an interesting place heading into the 2025–26 NBA season. With an aging roster, an expensive payroll, and their typical high expectations in a tough Eastern Conference, every piece of internal development matters. That’s where Nikola Jović enters the picture.

Jović, now entering a pivotal season with Miami, has been turning heads overseas, not in Summer League, but on a much bigger stage: EuroBasket 2025. Representing Serbia alongside Nikola Jokić, arguably the best player in the world, Jović has used this international run as both a showcase and a classroom — one that could pay major dividends for the Heat when the NBA season tips off.

A Summer of Growth: Jović Learning from the Best

When a 21-year-old NBA player gets the chance to share the court, locker room, and practice floor with a three-time MVP, it can accelerate development in ways that team practice alone cannot. Jović himself admitted as much when asked about playing alongside Jokić.

“I learned a lot from him, offensively and defensively. He’s the best player in the world… if you’re in the right spot, he’ll find you. It’s really easy to play with him,” Jović told reporters during Serbia’s EuroBasket run.

Those words carry weight. Not just because of who Jović is talking about, but because of the context. Jokić isn’t just a superstar; he’s a thinking superstar — someone who elevates teammates not only by passing them the ball but by teaching them how to read the game.

Jović is already seeing the benefits. Through Serbia’s group-stage games, he’s averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds per game, while shooting a blistering 56 percent from three-point range. The stats are solid, but more importantly, he’s playing with confidence, rhythm, and the poise of a player ready to take on a bigger role back in Miami.

Why This Year Matters More Than Any Other

While Jović’s overseas growth is encouraging, it’s also arriving right on time — because this season might determine his entire NBA trajectory.

Heading into what is effectively a make-or-break year, Jović’s future with the Heat is not set in stone. Miami has long been a team willing to move young players to acquire proven veterans, and Jović has often found himself on the edge of trade rumors.

But this summer has shifted the conversation. Instead of a player struggling to crack the rotation, Jović now projects as someone who might force Miami to find him minutes. The Heat need size, floor spacing, and energy — three things Jović can provide if he translates his international momentum back to the NBA floor.

And because this is also a contract year, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If Jović makes a big leap, Miami could be forced to commit to him long-term — or risk losing a rising talent to a team willing to pay him accordingly. If he stagnates, the Heat could decide to move on altogether.

The Jokić Effect: More Than Just Passing

It’s easy to credit Nikola Jokić for what’s happening, but what’s truly happening is more layered than a superstar feeding a role player open looks. It’s mentorship at its finest.

Jokić has always been known for making the game easier for those around him. His ability to read defenses, dictate pace, and see plays two steps ahead helps teammates develop better instincts. But for Jović, there’s another element: learning how to handle expectations.

Jokić wasn’t always the global icon he is now. He came into the league as a talented, unheralded big man who had to earn every ounce of respect through improvement, consistency, and discipline. Jović is seeing that blueprint up close — how to blend talent with IQ, patience, and a relentless drive to evolve.

For the Heat, this is invaluable. Miami’s “Heat Culture” thrives on players who are self-motivated, resilient, and unafraid of hard coaching. Jović’s exposure to Jokić’s leadership style may have accelerated his ability to thrive under those exact expectations.

What the Heat Should Expect — and Hope For

If Jović carries over what we’ve seen in EuroBasket, here’s what Miami could gain:

Floor Spacing from the Forward Spot: His three-point shooting, especially off movement or pick-and-pop actions, would give Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo more room to operate.

Versatility in Lineups: Jović can play both forward spots and, in small-ball situations, even some minutes as a stretch-five.

Transition Playmaking: He has shown flashes of grabbing rebounds and pushing the ball himself, something Miami has lacked outside of Butler.

Youthful Energy: Miami’s core is experienced, but not young. Infusing a fresh, active body into the rotation helps balance out minutes and gives Erik Spoelstra more flexibility throughout the long season.

If Jović actually hits, Miami won’t just have a useful rotation player — they might have a legitimate rising star who fits alongside Bam and Butler without clogging the salary cap.

Credit Where It’s Due: Jović’s Work, Jokić’s Influence

It’s important to underline a key point: Jović deserves most of the credit. The best mentorship in the world means nothing without a player willing to do the work, to listen, to adapt. By all accounts, Jović has attacked this offseason with a maturity that suggests he’s ready to seize the moment.

But that doesn’t mean Miami shouldn’t quietly thank Jokić. The Nuggets superstar’s presence, guidance, and on-court synergy have clearly impacted Jović in ways that Heat coaching sessions alone might not replicate. It’s a rare, almost accidental gift — one that could pay off if Miami sees the version of Jović we’re seeing in Europe.

A Potential Turning Point for Both Player and Franchise

The Heat have been chasing big-name acquisitions for years — from Damian Lillard to Bradley Beal — without ultimately making the move. They’ve relied heavily on their veteran core while patching together depth with role players and undrafted finds.

But every championship contender eventually needs an injection of young, cost-controlled talent that grows into a core piece. If Jović is that player, it changes everything. Suddenly, Miami has another foundational piece to build around post-Butler while also giving their current stars more help now.

And if that happens, it won’t just be a win for the Heat; it will be a testament to the value of international play, mentorship, and the right influence at the right time.

So while Nikola Jović is earning every bit of his own progress, there’s no denying that Nikola Jokić has played a meaningful role in shaping the version of Jović we’re starting to see.

For the Heat, that might be the unexpected assist that helps keep them competitive in the ever-tough Eastern Conference — and possibly beyond.