Nikola Jovic Rumors

Nikola Jovic is expected to join Serbia’s national team during this summer’s World Cup qualifiers, according to Meridian sport. The 23-year-old forward is set to be available for head coach Dušan Alimpijevic, adding another NBA player to the Serbian roster alongside Nikola Jokic, who is also expected to play during the summer windows.

EuroHoops.net

The Miami Heat could consider pivoting to pursuit of another star player should they fail to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Ira Winderman said in a Wednesday appearance on 104.3 WQAM. Winderman said he feels the Heat are "primed to make a deal" due to an abundance of young players including Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson and Kasparas Jakucionis. "Honestly, if they get a signal it's not going to be Giannis, I think they explore Kawhi [Leonard]. I think they explore Ja [Morant]," Winderman said. "You can't get stale, especially in this market."

Bleacher Report

Barry Jackson: Riley made clear he's still bullish on Jovic and regards him as a building block. Riley said he had him as a starter on his depth chart last October. Jovic started the opener and then was yanked from starting lineup -- which Jovic predicted to me would happen, on the eve of the opener, if the Heat lost that night. He never started again, and Riley blamed some of his struggles on back issues.

x.com

Barry Jackson: Heat's Jovic says he needs"to be perfect to get consistent minutes" or "I will be at the end of the bench, I guess." He said he knows he must improve and will work on his game. (Everyone agreed to speak today except Wiggins and Herro, who are both typically very good with media)

x.com

Five Reasons Sports: Bam on Niko: "You've got another opportunity to get better. You've got another chance to change the narrative around your name."

x.com

Five Reasons Sports: Spoelstra on Jovic... says he should take from Jaquez Jr's bounce back. "Just get to work and improve on the things he needs to improve. Take it on his shoulders and he will be just fine. His skill set and size, that's not lost on any of us."

x.com

Ira Winderman: Heat say Kel’el Ware good to go tonight. He woke up ill this morning and had been added to injury report. Only players out are Smith and Jovic.

x.com

Anthony Chiang: Pelle Larsson (lower leg contusion) listed as questionable for tomorrow’s play-in game vs. Hornets in Charlotte. Nikola Jovic and Dru Smith are out. Rest of Heat roster expected to be available.

x.com

Adam Lichtenstein: At Heat practice before they travel to Charlotte for their play-in matchup. Everyone practiced besides Nikola Jovic, Dru Smith and Pelle Larsson. Larsson is going through a separate, individual workout after missing Sunday’s game with a leg bruise.

Twitter

Anthony Chiang: Nikola Jovic (ankle) and Dru Smith (toe sprain) out for tomorrow's regular-season finale vs. Hawks. Norman Powell (groin) is questionable. Simone Fontecchio (ankle soreness) is probable. Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell listed as available.

Twitter

Anthony Chiang: Heat injury report for tonight vs. Wizards: Questionable: Tyler Herro (right foot soreness), Davion Mitchell (right shoulder contusion) and Norman Powell (right groin soreness). Out: Nikola Jovic, Terry Rozier and Dru Smith.

x.com

Anthony Chiang: Norman Powell on the Heat’s injury report for tomorrow vs. Raptors. He’s questionable with right groin soreness. Dru Smith also questionable with foot soreness. Heat remains without Nikola Jovic (ankle sprain).

x.com

Ira Winderman: Nikola Jovic (ankle) out for Heat for Tuesday at Toronto. Tyler Herro (foot), Norman Powell (return to conditioning), Andrew Wiggins (toe) all probable. All others available (except Terry Rozier, who is on NBA leave and will be waived later this week).

Twitter

Barry Jackson: Everyone practiced at Heat except Nikola Jovic (ankle). Jaime Jaquez is back after watching sister win ncaa title in Phoenix

x.com