Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic Prepares EuroBasket, Contract Decision Looms

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has been closely monitoring young players Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson as they participate in the 2025 EuroBasket tournament, with hopes they will return to the NBA as more mature and improved contributors. Jovic, a 2022 first-round pick for the Heat, has shown offensive promise but needs to improve his consistency and defensive impact; Spoelstra values Jovic's experience with the Serbian national team for fostering maturity and leadership. Despite a reduced role last season, Jovic remains productive and made a strong impression on Spoelstra during a recent exhibition game where he scored 18 points. The Heat are considering a contract extension for Jovic, who wants to avoid restricted free agency, while also managing salary cap considerations. Larsson, also playing in EuroBasket for Sweden, is expected to take a leap in his development to help the Heat's future championship aspirations. Spoelstra's presence at EuroBasket underscores the franchise's investment in these young players as key pieces for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.