SALT LAKE CITY — Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat is facing a challenging period as the team copes with the absence of center Kel’el Ware, who is sidelined due to a hamstring strain. The 22-year-old Serbian forward is working through mental hurdles following a tough performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he struggled with his confidence amidst missed shots and turnovers.
“I don’t even know how to explain it,” Jovic expressed during Saturday morning’s shootaround before the game against the Utah Jazz. “I want to play good. I’m not making shots right now, and I get a little bit down on myself. That’s it.”
Coach Erik Spoelstra, however, remains optimistic, noting that every player goes through rough patches during the season. “He’ll be fine,” Spoelstra said ahead of the Heat’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. “These are big opportunities for growth. When you face it and embrace it, and then eventually you overcome it, you gain a lot of confidence from that.”
Jovic highlighted his personal drive to succeed, stating, “I have my own sense of drive. I want to win. They want to win, too. At the end of the day, I want to be a great player.” He recognizes his role in stepping up as center, acknowledging that while it isn’t his preferred position, fulfilling this role is crucial for the team’s success.
“Yeah, it is a little bit different,” Jovic said about playing a heavier position. “Defensively, it’s easier for me because big guys are not as fast. I just have to worry about rebounding, but offensively, I need to be smarter.” He also mentioned the challenge of adapting to his new role, as the team does not run many plays, making positioning on the court sometimes confusing.
“In this system, we won’t build the offense around me,” Jovic remarked. “It’s just about whatever the coaches need us to do, and I’ll adapt.”
Meanwhile, point guard Davion Mitchell has opted to prioritize his recovery from a shoulder contusion, following a brief return to the court. With Saturday marking his second consecutive missed game, Mitchell emphasized the importance of healing properly to avoid exacerbations that could impact his entire season. He realized the need for caution after experiencing pain during contact in a recent game.
Mitchell’s injury initially occurred during a victory against the Suns on January 13, and he had hoped to resume play soon after. “I just got to take my time,” he said, acknowledging that he doesn’t want to risk repeating the injury.
As both players navigate their respective challenges, their determination and willingness to adapt highlight a resilient spirit that could benefit the Miami Heat in the long run. With opportunities for growth ahead, Jovic and Mitchell’s focus on recovery and improvement offers hope for their contributions to the team’s success.