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Tim BontempsESPN
NEW YORK — Miami Heat Newbie Nikola Jovic Already a 19-year old who is highly skilled.
Jovic was 27th in June’s NBA Draft. He made his NBA preseason debut Tuesday, against the Minnesota Timberwolves And impressed in Thursday night’s preseason matchup with the Brooklyn Nets With his best performance to date: 10 points, 3 boards, 5 assists, and 2 steals within 16 minutes 109-80 Heat victory.
There Is Jovic has one more task on his to-do list. Graduating high school.
Erik Spoelstra, Heat coach said that he was “extremely unique” after Miami’s win. He’s so young.
To put this in perspective, he still has to take his final exam to graduate high school. Zoom is a better option.
Jovic will need to pass a comprehensive exam before he graduates. Jovic was doing draft workouts when the rest of his classmates took Jovic’s exam.
“I didn’t have the time” [to take the exam] Jovic said, “Especially because of the time differences,” inside the Barclays Center visiting room locker room.
Jovic stated that he didn’t regret his decision. This was not a good thing for Mom.
“Yeah. “Yeah. [the workouts were more important]Jovic stated, “She wanted to see me finish school. But I was like, “Mom!”
Jovic intends to finish high school and then go to college.
He replied “Probably soon, you’ll know” when asked when he’ll be taking the test. I will take the test as soon as I get some time for myself. When I make contact with my teachers and other people, I’ll do it. [big].”
Spoelstra’s post-game revelation was revealed by his Heat teammates. Dewayne Dedmon Jovic received a kind-natured ribbing from Jovic:
“You ain’t even graduated High School?” “What?” asked an incredulous Dedmon.
Jovic stated, “I’m finishing this right now.”
Dedmon responded, “You know, it’s not possible to go from high school into the pros yet.”
Jovic declared, “You can’t get better from Europe.”
Dedmon replied, “Apparently,” drawing some laughs.
Spoelstra expressed satisfaction with Jovic’s performance during Thursday night’s win.
Spoelstra stated, “His skill set and size make him unique.” “He is just beginning his weight-lifting program together with us over the past six weeks. It won’t be until next summer that we see the benefits of this. His ability to handle, shoot and put the ball on to the floor will be the real benefit. He is a great passer. This is his most important skill at the moment, and he is still learning all the rest.
“[He’s] He’s now living in a different country, new place, and new teammates. We’re excited about his potential.
Jovic for his part said that he liked the idea to share the court with stars such as Kevin DurantHe scored 22 points in Brooklyn’s loss. This is something that he will slowly get used too as he adjusts his life in the NBA.
Jovic stated, “Unbelievable.” “Last year, when I was a child, I went to high school. After high school, I would go home to watch some of these guys on TV or YouTube.
“And now, I can play!” Against them. It’s definitely different. Unbelievable.”