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Nikola Jović: A Rollercoaster Start to the Season

The NBA season is always a rollercoaster of adjustments, and Nikola Jović’s season with the Miami HEAT is a prime example. Starting the season in the team’s starting lineup, Jović seemed poised to play a significant role. However, just 15 games into the season, the 6’10” forward has found himself out of the rotation.

“Of course, I’m frustrated just because I’m not playing,” Jović, 21, told the Miami Herald. “But it just shows you that I can keep working on myself. That’s what I’m doing now. You’ve got to gain that trust back from the coaches and everyone.”

A Promising Start

Jović’s inclusion in the starting lineup at the beginning of the season was a testament to the HEAT’s belief in his potential. After finishing last season as the team’s starting power forward, expectations were high. Jović showcased his versatility, combining size, skill, and basketball IQ to fit seamlessly into Miami’s system.

His ability to handle the ball, stretch the floor, and provide size in the frontcourt made him a compelling choice to complement Bam Adebayo. Early games highlighted flashes of his potential—smooth ball movement, crafty finishes, and a solid understanding of spacing.

What Changed?

Several factors have contributed to Jović’s diminished role:

Depth and Competition

The HEAT’s roster is crowded with players capable of filling the forward positions. Veterans like Kevin Love and Haywood Highsmith, along with Jaime Jaquez Jr. earning minutes at power forward, have left little room for Jović. Erik Spoelstra’s preference for experience and defensive reliability may have contributed to Jović’s reduced playing time.

Defensive Limitations

While Jović has the size and length to be a defensive presence, he’s still developing the lateral quickness and awareness required for Miami’s demanding defensive schemes. Opponents frequently targeted him in pick-and-roll situations this season, exposing areas where growth is needed.

The HEAT Culture

Miami is renowned for its “next man up” approach, but it also holds players to exceptionally high standards. Younger players like Jović often spend developmental time on the bench, in the G League, or practices to hone their skills until they’re fully prepared to contribute consistently.

What’s Next for Jović?

While limited playing time can be frustrating, the HEAT have a history of reintegrating players into the rotation—whether due to injuries or a decline in performance by current rotation players.

For Jović, the focus will likely shift to improving his defense, increasing his physicality to handle the rigors of the NBA, and finding ways to make a more significant impact in limited opportunities. Additionally, be ready to take advantage of smaller

“He just has to stay with it,” Spoelstra said of Jović. “You know that saying where you win the day? He has to win the day every day. Is he guaranteed to play in a game? No, he can’t control that right now. But he can control making me think about it—that, for sure.”

Staying Ready

The 21-year-old has faced this situation before, playing in just four of the team’s first 30 games last season before earning a promotion to the starting lineup. That experience proved his ability to stay focused, develop his game, and seize opportunities when they arise. Now, Jović finds himself in a similar position, with Miami currently exploring other lineup options.

For now, Jović’s role is to remain ready and continue working on his game, both in practice and during any minutes he’s given. His past resilience suggests he can rise to the challenge once again. Whether through injuries, roster adjustments, or improved play, the HEAT’s system has a way of rewarding perseverance.

“It’s just about staying ready and preparing,” Jović said. “Chances always come. It’s nothing new, and I know I’ll be back.”

Through 14 appearances, Jovic is averaging 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from downtown.

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Adebayo Speaks Out: Still Irked about the DPOY Snub

Photo via Getty images

Bam Adebayo is one of the best defenders in this league, without question. Before making the All-Defensive first team, Adebayo made the second team four consecutive seasons. This past season, Adebayo was one of three finalist s for the Defensive Player of the Year award, which was won by Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert. Despite finishing in the top five in the voting for the past five years, The Miami Heat center is irked that he hasn’t yet won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year title.

“I have to do all this and average 20, 10 and 5,” Adebayo told Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill about his responsibilities on both ends, which include playing elite defense.

The Heat center had more to say about the DPOY conversation Goodwill had with Adebayo from Las Vegas, the site of Team USA men’s basketball’s Olympic training camp. It’s obvious that the conversation has been bugging the center for a while.

“That’s one thing that irks me, it’s not my fault I’m versatile,” Adebayo added. “I’ve been top five in DPOY voting the last five years, there’s been guys y’all (media) been giving it to over me.

A point guard (Marcus Smart) got it over me, a center (Rudy Gobert) got it over me, a power forward (Jaren Jackson Jr.) has gotten it over me. The goalposts move for me, in certain degrees. It’s me and a lot of undrafted dudes, and we still have a top-five defense. These other guys have All-NBA dudes (around them). Some of it is, they don’t really care about us and that’s fine. I think they should pay attention to consistency because being top five DPOY, I think I have the longest streak of All-Defensive teams so the goalposts move for me.”

via Yahoo Sports

Playing Both Ends

Given that he plays a bigger role for his squad than some of these other players do for their individual teams, Adebayo might have a point. Every night, he’s responsible for anchoring the Heat’s defense while being the second option, sometimes even first when Jimmy Butler is out. Additionally, he has to switch out on perimeter players and guard opposing centers taller than him. Over the past five seasons, Miami has ranked 4th overall in defensive ratings with 111.1.

Adebayo is still young—he turns 27 on July 18—so he is still very much in his prime and should have many more seasons to win the DPOY title.

After being this close so many times, you would think that eventually he’s going to win the award. But the rise of San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama may also prevent him or anyone else from winning that award for years. In the end, nevertheless, Adebayo’s arguments are acknowledged.

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HEAT expect to lock in Bam Adebayo with 3-Year Extension

Photo via Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

The Miami Heat have locked in one of their stars for additional years. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Heat all-star Bam Adebayo intends to sign his contract extension with the Heat. It’s a three-year, $166 million extension. Adebayo can officially sign once the league’s offseason moratorium is over.

Bam Season Overview

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Adebayo has two years and approximately $72 million remaining on his current deal with the Heat. The All-Star center received his third career All-Star selection while averaging 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this past season. After being selected for four consecutive years to the second team, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive first team for the first time in his career. He also finished in the top five in the Defensive Player of the Year voting for the fifth consecutive year, trailing only center Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and center Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.

Butler’s Future

While Adebayo’s future status with the team is secured, his teammate Jimmy Butler‘s future with the team remains in question. The Heat president Pat Riley told reporters last month that the team is in no rush to offer Butler an extension. Butler has a $52 million player option after next season.

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Report: The Miami Heat are ‘Prominent Suitors’ for Bradley Beal Trade

Photo via Steve Mitchell/USA Today

The Miami Heat are two days removed from losing to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. Now, we are headed into the ‘Transactional” period on the NBA calendar. Additionally, there appears to be a star being available in trade talks very soon. A familiar star at that. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal are expected to work together on finding a trade for him should the team reset. And yes, the Miami Heat are expected to be prominent suitors for the star guard.

“Sources said both sides are working amicably to find the path forward, with the draft looming on June 22. The sources, who were granted anonymity to discuss the matter, said the Miami Heat are expected to be prominent suitors for Beal if he reaches the market.” –

Shams Charania

Unlike most players, the star guard will have a lot of influence over where he ends up for his next stop. His five-year, $251 million contract, which also has a full no-trade clause, just finished its first season. Therefore, the Wizards must bring up Beal in whatever negotiations they have with interested teams in the NBA.

Potential Risks of Beal Trade

A multiple-time NBA All-star, Beal is obviously one of the best NBA players, but any team considering a trade for him must weigh the consequences of doing so. With his huge contract, Beal will occupy a sizable portion of the NBA team’s salary cap. Beal also has a 15% trade kicker in his contract, which he could waive. Additionally, he is not getting any younger and has played in 90 games the past two seasons. When healthy, he’s a terrific fit alongside Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. But his health and contract make it a huge risk.

Overall, there’s plenty of things to consider as we ponder a potential Beal trade. But with the NBA Draft and Free Agency around the corner, Beal could potentially be in a different spot. When or if he’s moved, it could start fireworks in what could be a busy NBA off-season.

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News: Jamal Cain signed to Two-Way Deal

© Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

After a strong start to the preseason, Jamal Cain‘s contract has been converted to a two-way contract. The 6-foot-7 went undrafted out Oakland. He played five games with the Miami Heat‘s summer league team, averaging eight points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. He was later signed to an Exhibit 10 contract in late July. With Miami only carrying 14 players because of tax reasons, Cain entered training competing for one of the two-way contract spots.

And boy has he earned it. Through the first three preseason games, Cain is averaging 12 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 steals on 44% shooting from three-point range. Cain has been one of the Heat’s most impressive players of the preseason. On Thursday, he defended Kevin Durant as well as anyone could. He’s been knocking down corner three-pointers. He’s also making hustle plays on both ends of the floor. His performance has even impressed Bam Adebayo, who endorsed the forward after his performance against the Nets.

Waiving Days

With the Heat’s two two-way contract spots already occupied, they cut Darius Days from his two-way deal to make room. After being cut from the roster, Days will be able to spend time with Miami’s G League Affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Unfortunately, other teams will be able to sign him to a standard or two-way contract. Cain now joins Marcus Garrett as the Heat’s two two-way contract players. These contracts do not count toward the Heat’s salary cap or luxury tax. Both players will be able to spend time with Miami for as many as 50 regular season games. However, those on two-way contracts are ineligible for the playoffs.

Now that Cain is officially on board, the Heat have another gem to develop in their system. Over the years, the Heat have had success developing players like Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, and Caleb Martin. Cain is on his way to becoming another developmental success story for Miami.

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Jae Crowder back to Miami?

© Photo by Kim Klement/Getty Images

While four NBA teams are currently undergoing training, the rest of the league has to wait until Tuesday. Training camp is where all the NBA teams work to get in shape and work on chemistry. The NBA requires all players to attend unless given permission. Of course, there has been instances where a player will forgo training camp if unhappy. Sometimes players will do this is they’re requesting a trade. In a deleted tweet, Jae Crowder hinted that he might not attend the Phoenix Suns training camp. Shams Charania later reported that both the Suns and Crowder agreed that it was best for him to sit out.

This has been an odd offseason for the Suns and Crowder. Since signing with the Suns in 2020, Crowder has helped the team reach another level. His ability to play as a small-ball four has made him a seamless fit for the team. However, the two sides have drifted apart from each other. There’s been speculation that the Suns wanting to start Cam Johnson as a reason for Crowder’s unhappiness with the team. Cowder has one year remaining on his three-year deal and will hit free agency after this season.

As a result, the Suns have reportedly been shopping Crowder. One potential destination is the Miami Heat, a destination Crowder would love to join. He’s publicly been expressing an interest in returning to Miami through social media. Crowder was a huge piece for the Heat’s run to the 2020 NBA Finals. After P.J. Tucker departing, the team is missing a quality starting power forward. Crowder would be a good replacement but a trade to Miami will be tricky.

Why? Well, the Suns are unlikely to have interest in taking on Duncan Robinson‘s long-term contract. Additionally, Robinson has been unplayable at times because of his bad defense. The Heat’s other players who could be matching salary pieces cannot be traded until December or January. It’ll also be surprising if Miami decided to include a first rounder or young piece for an expiring contract like Crowder. Miami and Phoenix could seek out a third team but that may require Miami moving a first rounder.

It’s clear that Crowder wants out. And the Suns are open to finding him a new home. With training camp opening up in two days, this will be an interesting storyline to watch.

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