Nikola Jovic is a Serbian basketball talent who plays for the Miami Heat and on the international stage representing Serbia. Born on June 9, 2003, Jovic possesses raw potential and talent that could propel him to greatness as a power forward.
Selected as the 27th overall pick by the Miami Heat in the 2022 NBA draft, Jovic faced an inevitable learning curve as a rookie. However, as he entered his sophomore season, he began to receive more playing time that allowed him to further develop his skills and adapt to the NBA's demands. Jovic is still growing as a player but he has shown promise and potential which fits in well with the “Miami Heat Culture”.
One standout moment in Jovic's NBA career came on February 13, 2024, when he scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a decisive 123-97 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. This performance showcased his elite scoring fire power and hinted at his potential to become an elite player in the league.
Beyond his contributions in the NBA, Jovic has also represented Serbia on the international stage. In July 2021, he was a key member of the Serbia U19 national team at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup. Throughout the tournament, Jovic impressed with his versatility, averaging 18.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. These great performances earned him a spot on the all-tournament team. Furthermore, in February 2022, at just 18 years old, Jovic made his debut for the Serbia national team during the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. This early inclusion in the national team underscores his talent and potential as a rising star in Serbian basketball.
Nikola Jovic College
Nikola Jovic did not play college basketball in the USA. He hails from Serbia and rose through the Serbian basketball system before being drafted by Miami in 2022.
Nikola Jovic European Career
Image credits: Nikola Jovic’s Instagram
Nikola Jovic’s journey to professional basketball stardom began with his senior debut for Serbian basketball club — Mega Basket in February 2021. He played his first game for the Mega Basket at the Radivoj Korać Cup tournament in Novi Sad.
Jovic displayed his immense talent and potential with the Mega Basket as he showcased his versatility and two-way skills. On 19 March 2021, Jovic marked his ABA League debut with an impressive performance, contributing 10 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes of playing time despite a 74–65 loss to Split.
His remarkable abilities caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts worldwide, earning him recognition in the NBA.com GM Survey for the 2021–22 NBA season as the best international player not playing in the NBA.
Furthermore, in April 2022, Jovic's outstanding performances throughout the 2021–22 season led to him being named the ABA League Top Prospect. This award further solidified his status as one of the most promising talents in European basketball. Throughout the 2021-22 Liga ABA season, Jovic showcased his scoring prowess, shooting efficiency, and well-rounded game, averaging 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
Nikola Jovic Draft
Nikola Jovic was selected as the 27th overall pick by the Miami Heat in the 2022 NBA draft.
Nikola Jovic Position
Nikola Jovic plays as a power forward in basketball. At times, he has also been used as a small forward.
FAQ on Where did Nikola Jovic go to college?
A. Nikola Jovic did not play college basketball in USA.
A. Nikola Jovic’s salary for the 2023/24 NBA season was $2,352,000 as per Sportrac. Jovic will earn $2,464,200 during the 2024/25 NBA season.
A. Nikola Jovic is on a rookie contract worth $11.5 million with the Miami Heat.
A. Nikola Jovic plays as a power forward.
A. In the 2023/24 season, Nikola Jovic averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.5 steals per game.
