Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic shares advice for Serbian teammate and Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic
Even if they aren't on the same team anymore, NBA players can establish lifelong bonds with their former teammates, even if it was just a handful of years they played together. However, when you play together for your country, no trade is going to separate you from each other. While Team USA is very selective, NBA players playing for other countries are usually selected every season.
For Team Serbia, it's clear the leader of their team is Nikola Jokic, a player who is arguably the best in the world. Even though they weren't able to get the job done in EuroBasket 2025, Serbia did get to see some emergence from forward Nikola Jovic. Recently, Jokic and Jovic went head-to-head, and the Nuggets star shared some advice for the Miami Heat forward.
Nikola Jokic's Advice For Serbian Teammate
"I don't like to do that, especially when he's on another team because I don't know what [the] coaching staff is telling him...I think he needs to listen to coaching staff...that's going to give you minutes and that's going to give you opportunities to play...but I think he has potential," Jokic said.
Before the start of the season, the Heat signed the 22-year-old forward to a four-year, $62.4 million extension. Jovic has shown signs that could make this contract a steal for the Heat, but his lack of consistency and playtime for the Heat could lead to this being a massive overpay.
"I think he's a good defender. He can defend multiple positions....Offensively...he's actually a really good post-up player. That's my opinion because we used him on national team as a post-up player and it was working good for us because of his size."
While Jokic led Team Serbia in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals, Jovic put up a solid 12.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, leading many to believe his breakout with the Heat could be nearing.
However, through eight games, he's averaging 8.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on just 37.7% shooting from the field. His minutes average has dropped this season, and has struggled in the team's past four contests.
Regardless, Jovic is still young, and there's plenty of time to turn things around. As has been the case with numerous NBA players, it could also mean that his future isn't with the Heat, and perhaps a move to a team that isn't a playoff contender can allow him to blossom into the role Jokic and others see him filling.
Wherever he is, it seems as though Jokic is supporting him along the way.