Nikola Jovic Sought Growth After Difficult Season
The Heat forward targets improved shooting quickness and emotional control following his 2025 campaign.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic has completed a mental reset during the offseason to address struggles with team pace and emotional management from last year. The forward aims to find more consistency on the court following a 2025 season where he averaged 7.3 points per game.
Why it matters
After signing a $62.4 million extension last October, Jovic is looking to bridge the gap between his high-scoring performance in international play and his NBA output. Fans are watching to see if his focus on shooting quickness will elevate his efficiency as the Heat open the preseason.
Jovic played 47 games during the 2025 season with a 7.3 points per game average. While he aims for 37 percent from three-point range, his actual percentage stood at 26.9 percent during the last NBA campaign.
The players
Nikola Jovic
Miami Heat forward who is focused on emotional management and shooting efficiency after signing a contract extension.
Miami Heat
The professional basketball team preparing for the upcoming season with Jovic on the roster.
Toronto Raptors
The opponent scheduled to play the Heat in the preseason opener.
The details
Speaking from the team's training camp at Florida Atlantic University, Jovic acknowledged that his previous tendency to become irate during unfavorable moments hindered his play. He participated in an intentional mental reset during the offseason to better handle the physical and mental demands of the game. The forward is now preparing for the preseason opener against the Toronto Raptors.
Timeline
Jovic played 47 games during the 2025 season.
The forward signed a four-year, $62.4 million extension in October 2025.
Heat training camp began on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The preseason opener against the Toronto Raptors is Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Jovic is set to participate in the FIBA World Cup event in 2027.
Beyond the 305
Young players in the league often struggle with consistency before reaching their potential. Jovic's recent focus on emotional maturity and shooting speed marks his attempt to accelerate his development along the NBA's standard career progression curve.
Fans heading to the preseason opener on Saturday can watch to see if Jovic's offseason adjustments result in a higher shooting percentage. His success will be vital for the Heat as they integrate his new $62.4 million contract into their long-term rotation.
The takeaway
Jovic's ability to maintain composure under pressure will be the key metric for his growth this year. Watch for his three-point accuracy during the upcoming preseason games to see if his shooting adjustments hold up under game speed.
Further reading
For more on the team's preparation, visit the Basketball section.
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Do you believe professional athletes should be held to high standards for their on-court emotional behavior?
