Nicola Jovic admitted that he was “shocked” when the Miami Warmth drafted Caspalas Jaccionis within the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Miami Warmth drafted Illinois combo guard Casparasjaccionis, and got here in twentieth within the first spherical of the NBA draft. The Lithuanian joined the workforce as one other European expertise in Miami. This consists of one among three Miami Warmth gamers heading for Eurobasket 2025.
Jovic is likely one of the rising younger stars of the NBA, and he has identified Kasparas jakucionis since his faculty days. He admitted to being shocked that the fever had drafted Jaccionis.
Jovic adopted Jakucionis all through faculty final season, averaging 15 factors per recreation. He mentioned he was shocked he fell to No. 20, and estimated he can be a high 10 decide.
He advised BasketNews:
“I used to be actually shocked after we drafted him as a result of we actually thought he can be like a high 10 decide, however that is definitely decide for us. He is a fantastic participant.
This welcomes followers’ information as Jakucionis has been fighting the summer season league. He averaged 4 factors in his first three video games. That is an unbelievable signal from what many known as the steal of the 2025 NBA Draft.
He had a 24-point recreation towards the Atlanta Hawks within the ultimate few video games and 16 video games towards the Detroit Pistons. He needs to realize confidence within the warmth from these video games to his rookie season.
Commenting on Jakucionis’ Summer season League present, Jovic mentioned, “It is clear that he first struggled a bit over the summer season. However I did the identical factor.
The warmth isn’t making an attempt to depend on Jaccionis this season. They only wish to see rookies develop all yr spherical. Nevertheless, after Jimmy Butler’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, Jovic should step into a significant function with Bum Adebayo and Tyler Hero.
Warmth head coach Eric Sperstra mentioned he was returning to Miami after a world journey, inspired by Jovic’s play with Serbia. Jovic has studied with Serbia from Nikola Jokic and has carried out in one of many best nations of worldwide basketball.
Jovic surpassed Luka Donsic and Nikola Jokic when Serbia defeated Slovenia within the Eurobasket build-up. He outscores the Los Angeles Lakers star and his three-time MVP teammates, which Spoelstra watched and posted 18 factors.
It was a promising summer season for younger Serbs. He’s anticipated to steer his nation to the Eurobasket title, and his expertise within the championship is barely constructive for his growth.
The East is there for filming this season, and if Jovic can proceed his quick rise to stardom, the Warmth has an opportunity to make his third look within the NBA Finals in six seasons.
