Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra sends message to struggling Nikola Jovic

Justin Backer

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra sends message to struggling Nikola Jovic image

It’s been a tough season for Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic, and he’s seen his playing time decrease as a result.

This season, Jovic is averaging just 7.6 points, and 3.7 rebounds per game. He is shooting under 40 percent from the floor, and less than 30 percent from beyond the arc as he has seen his playing time go down over the course of the season. After his return from a right hip injury, Jovic has been out of the Heat’s rotation over the last few weeks. 

Head coach Erik Spoelstra was asked about what message he has sent to Jovic since his demotion from the rotation. Once a promising young piece for Miami, Jovic now finds himself racking up DNP’s night in and night out. 

“Just stay with it, and each day, like today, is an opportunity for him to get better…he’ll get his opportunity again,” Spoelstra said to Zachary Weinberger of Clutch Points. 

Jovic will look to work his back into Spoelstra’s circle of trust as the Heat try to get back on track during their recent rough patch. After a strong start to the season, the Heat will look to pick up the pace once again heading into the new calendar as they aim to get back to the postseason in 2025-26. 

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Staff Writer