Miami Heat 2023/2024 Regular Season - Thread 2.0

[dshearn]

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Tonight is going to be lots of fun.

With any luck Spo gets tons of opportunity to see whatever it is he needs to see to figure out how he wants the rotations to run.



JJJ seemed spent and running out of gas against NY, now he has to go again..and might be featured even more.Will be interesting how he helps and how he paces himself.

O-Rob called back up?

[Big Dee Chi-Born]

Now I don’t know our cap situation nor this kid’s off court character. But he’s free and has everything we need from an offensive guard standpoint. I saw this suggestion on BR and his highlights checkout nice! His form is decent, his handle is decent and he attacks the rim with athleticism. [youtube] https://youtu.be/OE3bT6piT30?si=ejTV8YB538xkpsDg[/youtube]

Terence Davis? He's not under contract? We don't currently have any cap room. I think any minimum contract will put us over the hard apron.

Oh ok… and there’s no way to wave Dru or get an injury exception huh? This kid is the kinda Caleb Martin type athlete we need to continue adding. Bleacher Report has him as a free agent we should add and develop. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10098022-best-landing-spots-right-now-for-nbas-top-10-available-free-agents

[twix2500]

Good to see Jovic got some burn. I do see some expected why to much from the 20 yr old in his first game in limited minutes. I see he still wearing a wrap on his knee, hopefully they are being careful.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

Knowing we were going to rest Bam against the Nets due to him being injured and the fact we were likely going to rest Jimmy regardless of his ankle or not makes the 4th quarter collapse against the Knicks pretty funny. Complete **** show of a team when the 4th rolls around

[KingDavid]

Trouble in paradise for Jovic. This was after the nets game.

https://www.reddit.com/r/heat/comments/184c3ih/jovic_interview_for_serbian_media/

Jovic interview for Serbian media

I just read it and was surprised how frustrated he seems right now. Here is the original text: https://www.maxbetsport.rs/nikola-jovic-majami-hit-nba-liga-481910/ I have put the English translation below:

Nikola Jovic finally played for Miami, which lost to Brooklyn on the night between Saturday and Sunday in New York. The Serbian spent 16 and a half minutes on the court and during that time he recorded one point, six rebounds and five assists, which is a quite good performance considering that he did not play excessively this season.

After the game, Jović gave an interview to "MaxBet Radio" on the show "60 minutes with Vlad and Aco", in which he expressed his dissatisfaction with the role he has in Miami:

It's not easy, it's really not easy. It's even harder for me than last year. I mean, I kind of feel like I can play and I deserve it. They think I'm not ready yet and I totally understand. There is nothing there. I don't know where this is going, and all I'm trying to do is be on the field as much as possible. Somehow, even when I'm playing, I feel like maybe I'm being misused. I hope that some things will change, I will continue to work... I really support everything they do for me and it will get better for sure - Nikola said with sadness in his voice.

Interestingly, coach Erik Spoelstra used him at center against the Nets, which is kind of the wrong position for Jovic. Was that place on the field more about defense or in general?

More on the defensive game. Everything I'm good at, they don't seem to use, and what I'm worse at, they seem to force it. Those things make me not feel the best on the pitch. What do I know, it will get better.

Jović had two attractive passes during the match. When asked if he sees his strength in that, his versatility, he answered:

I know that I can play in several positions and in several ways, but they simply seem to be trying to limit me in some way. I'm really coping and trying to make the best of this, but it's not easy. It's really not easy.

He then revealed that he himself insisted on going to the developmental G League:

I insisted. There is no point in sitting out the whole season after a good summer. I even like the G league, but there I play in the "five" position. Somehow, it's like there's no way out for me right now. I still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm sure there will be.

Of course, the inevitable question was whether he gained confidence after his performance at the World Championship in Manila:

Well, it gave me confidence. That's why I was ready for the new season. I thought everything would look better. I thought I showed that I can play at the highest level, but there you go. It seems that it was not enough for them and I hope it will get better.

Then he spoke again about the "five" position, this time about whether he expected to play it:

I didn't expect it, but here it is... It seems that the only thing I could have expected and that I will have to think about it a lot more in the future.

Finally, he compared being in warm Miami to cold Sioux Falls, where he played while on the development team:

I mean, it's good. I'm there for basketball and that's how I think about it - concluded Nikola Jović.

Woy!

[KingDavid]

Seems like he expressed his frustrations with Jimmy, Jimmy then went to his g-league game and spoke out against using Jovic as a 5. It's tying together now. Jovic wants to play guard/wing and not big...but how can he if defensively he's a slow lateral mover? He'd get hunted and smoked by guards and wings and they'd fly right by him to their delight.

I wonder if this is similar to AD; both were guards who had insane growth spurts in high school and now are forced to play center even though they don't normally want to...

[Wiltside]

Yeah that’s some woy. Tbh I get it, he bought in last year and spent the season bulking up and developing. Playing him at the 5 is wrong. He should be a 4 in today’s NBA, and he’d be a nice compliment with Bam who can protect him defensively. We seem to have him as a screen and popper rather than PnR initiator when arguably his best NBA skill is his court vision and passing.

I think it’s best if he gets an extended run at Sioux Falls and takes his frustrations out there. Hopefully he can keep his head up and earn the coaches trust. It must be hard as a second year guy see a rookie like JJJ come in and immediately have the coaches trust (albeit clearly earned).

I think signing Gogi as a mentor in the locker room would help keep Niko’s head up, if nothing else.

[KingDavid]

Yeah that’s some woy. Tbh I get it, he bought in last year and spent the season bulking up and developing. Playing him at the 5 is wrong. He should be a 4 in today’s NBA, and he’d be a nice compliment with Bam who can protect him defensively. We seem to have him as a screen and popper rather than PnR initiator when arguably his best NBA skill is his court vision and passing.

I think it’s best if he gets an extended run at Sioux Falls and takes his frustrations out there. Hopefully he can keep his head up and earn the coaches trust. It must be hard as a second year guy see a rookie like JJJ come in and immediately have the coaches trust (albeit clearly earned).

I think signing Gogi as a mentor in the locker room would help keep Niko’s head up, if nothing else.

Any signings right now put us over the second apron. Something could be done if we cut Dru Smith and wait a while. Outside of that, nah, no gogi. Jovic gonna end up in Denver under Jokic's tutelage

Makes me wonder what Spo would do with an even worse defender in Damian Lillard. I was under the impression we were going to use Jovic as a point forward. I don't understand the shift to center. He's not a center.

[Wiltside]

Yeah that’s some woy. Tbh I get it, he bought in last year and spent the season bulking up and developing. Playing him at the 5 is wrong. He should be a 4 in today’s NBA, and he’d be a nice compliment with Bam who can protect him defensively. We seem to have him as a screen and popper rather than PnR initiator when arguably his best NBA skill is his court vision and passing.

I think it’s best if he gets an extended run at Sioux Falls and takes his frustrations out there. Hopefully he can keep his head up and earn the coaches trust. It must be hard as a second year guy see a rookie like JJJ come in and immediately have the coaches trust (albeit clearly earned).

I think signing Gogi as a mentor in the locker room would help keep Niko’s head up, if nothing else.

Any signings right now put us over the second apron. Something could be done if we cut Dru Smith and wait a while. Outside of that, nah, no gogi. Jovic gonna end up in Denver under Jokic's tutelage

Makes me wonder what Spo would do with an even worse defender in Damian Lillard. I was under the impression we were going to use Jovic as a point forward. I don't understand the shift to center. He's not a center.

Defensively I get running him at the 5, but it has to be alongside plus defenders. Bulking up will help him hold his own in the post, and his slower lateral movement will be less of an issue. Put Niko alongside Jimmy and Bam and his defense is much less of a concern.

Offensively, he needs to be an initiator. He can’t be a screen and pop guy, that’s not his game. Playing him like a traditional low skill big is the worse thing you can do. Reminds me of when we’d run Winslow as a small ball 4 and just have him screen and rolling. Waste of time.

[dshearn]

Yeah that’s some woy. Tbh I get it, he bought in last year and spent the season bulking up and developing. Playing him at the 5 is wrong. He should be a 4 in today’s NBA, and he’d be a nice compliment with Bam who can protect him defensively. We seem to have him as a screen and popper rather than PnR initiator when arguably his best NBA skill is his court vision and passing.

I think it’s best if he gets an extended run at Sioux Falls and takes his frustrations out there. Hopefully he can keep his head up and earn the coaches trust. It must be hard as a second year guy see a rookie like JJJ come in and immediately have the coaches trust (albeit clearly earned).

I think signing Gogi as a mentor in the locker room would help keep Niko’s head up, if nothing else.

Any signings right now put us over the second apron. Something could be done if we cut Dru Smith and wait a while. Outside of that, nah, no gogi. Jovic gonna end up in Denver under Jokic's tutelage

Makes me wonder what Spo would do with an even worse defender in Damian Lillard. I was under the impression we were going to use Jovic as a point forward. I don't understand the shift to center. He's not a center.

I missed most the game, but what I saw was a dude who was not ready..... Was Jovic used much differently then O-Rob was just used? It looked like we had a Point Center not two games ago with O-rob.

I wonder if this is much different than putting D-Rob on the ball early in his career. It might not be best for the team, but it is trial by fire. Maybe the Heat realize what Jovic is great at and they want to get him reps on a weaker part of his game. Or maybe it just as simple as your foot speed dictates where you play.

[eddieheatfan]

Watch on YouTube

[DayofMourning]

Dude needs to expand his game. But he also doesnt need to be played out of position.

[DayofMourning]

One guy Id like tosee the Heat look at as a possible trade candidate is Tre Mann. Not getting much PT on OKC.

[wadenation305]

Yeah that’s some woy. Tbh I get it, he bought in last year and spent the season bulking up and developing. Playing him at the 5 is wrong. He should be a 4 in today’s NBA, and he’d be a nice compliment with Bam who can protect him defensively. We seem to have him as a screen and popper rather than PnR initiator when arguably his best NBA skill is his court vision and passing.

I think it’s best if he gets an extended run at Sioux Falls and takes his frustrations out there. Hopefully he can keep his head up and earn the coaches trust. It must be hard as a second year guy see a rookie like JJJ come in and immediately have the coaches trust (albeit clearly earned).

I think signing Gogi as a mentor in the locker room would help keep Niko’s head up, if nothing else.

Any signings right now put us over the second apron. Something could be done if we cut Dru Smith and wait a while. Outside of that, nah, no gogi. Jovic gonna end up in Denver under Jokic's tutelage

Makes me wonder what Spo would do with an even worse defender in Damian Lillard. I was under the impression we were going to use Jovic as a point forward. I don't understand the shift to center. He's not a center.

I missed most the game, but what I saw was a dude who was not ready..... Was Jovic used much differently then O-Rob was just used? It looked like we had a Point Center not two games ago with O-rob.

I wonder if this is much different than putting D-Rob on the ball early in his career. It might not be best for the team, but it is trial by fire. Maybe the Heat realize what Jovic is great at and they want to get him reps on a weaker part of his game. Or maybe it just as simple as your foot speed dictates where you play.

5 assists 6 rebounds in 17 total minutes. Is he Jokic rn? No, but in the very limited minutes he gets dude us always a double double threat without even trying. We literally let scrubs like Drew Smith on the court while we ask Jovic to hold his ball bag, I'd be frustrated too. Lost on d and everything he still has given us more in limited minutes than anything Dru Smith's game ever suggested he can give us ( hope he gets well soon, don't hate the guy. There's just a very obvious talent gap between the two). If we gave Jovic anywhere the leash some of these guys from the Y get I'm sure he would get uo to speed with the system. That's always been my gripe with Spo, he refuses to do the obvious sometimes until absolutely forced to do so because of injuries.

[DayofMourning]

Jovics rebound and assist totals look real nice. His 5 fouls, not so much. He had major yips on O too. Im willing to give him 200+ games to figure it out though.

[marson]

With Highsmith injured, I think Jokic would have plenty of chance now at the 4 position.

He has to splash 3s to stay on the floor imo.

[DayofMourning]

With Highsmith injured, I think Jokic would have plenty of chance now at the 4 position.

He has to splash 3s to stay on the floor imo.

He has to keep the fouls down. He's frustrated right now but can't let it get the best of him. Got to focus and adapt.

[MettaWorldPanda]

Jovic starting to gripe just like Winslow did. This organization is not for everyone. Considering we are pressed against the super tax i still view him as the sweetener trade attachment with Lowry at the deadline.

[MettaWorldPanda]

Whenever we start clamoring for point Winnie and now point Jovic and the players start to parrot this that’s usually the tell tale sign that chit ain’t going to work out here lol

[dshearn]

Any signings right now put us over the second apron. Something could be done if we cut Dru Smith and wait a while. Outside of that, nah, no gogi. Jovic gonna end up in Denver under Jokic's tutelage

Makes me wonder what Spo would do with an even worse defender in Damian Lillard. I was under the impression we were going to use Jovic as a point forward. I don't understand the shift to center. He's not a center.

I missed most the game, but what I saw was a dude who was not ready..... Was Jovic used much differently then O-Rob was just used? It looked like we had a Point Center not two games ago with O-rob.

I wonder if this is much different than putting D-Rob on the ball early in his career. It might not be best for the team, but it is trial by fire. Maybe the Heat realize what Jovic is great at and they want to get him reps on a weaker part of his game. Or maybe it just as simple as your foot speed dictates where you play.

5 assists 6 rebounds in 17 total minutes. Is he Jokic rn? No, but in the very limited minutes he gets dude is always a double double threat without even trying. We literally let scrubs like Drew Smith on the court while we ask Jovic to hold his ball bag, I'd be frustrated too. Lost on d and everything he still has given us more in limited minutes than anything Dru Smith's game ever suggested he can give us ( hope he gets well soon, don't hate the guy. There's just a very obvious talent gap between the two). If we gave Jovic anywhere the leash some of these guys from the Y get I'm sure he would get uo to speed with the system. That's always been my gripe with Spo, he refuses to do the obvious sometimes until absolutely forced to do so because of injuries.

I don't know how much a scrub Dru is, he is a project....but it is not like he is not flashing ability. Dude is .400 3 point shooter and creating turnovers on defense. Dude leads the team in steals per 36, and is shooting the 3...he probably doing well at what is asked to do. When he looked bad he gets yanked.

I can only guess the Heat have him at Center as he is developing his defensive ability. On offense how different is what he is doing compared to Bam or O-Rob? O-Rob lead the team in assists against the Bucks. There might still be opportunities for Jovic to show his game regardless of what he is asked to do on defense.

Spo def has his ways....no doubt about it. Kills me too. I love Spo....but dang... even the loss against the Nets...why the heck didn't they put Caleb on the ball on defense...that is who should always be on the ball...but they him stuck guarding air in the corner. I guess Spo want's data early in the season, and expect's to win it the hard way game after game after game. Hard to argue the end results every year...but it sure seems like we could have easier seasonal games for sure.


If there is an end goal for Jovic, it clearly has not been communicated to him. We likely would not get an interview like that if someone from the Heat said...."hey....we are doing xyz over the next 2 months for this reason, we expect following that we will shift to the next stage....our plan is to develop this skill set..."