Final thoughts and grades for each player
Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (5) during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the California Summer League
(Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)
The Miami Heat’s 2022 NBA Summer League campaign is officially in the books. Led by current Heat assistant, Malik Allen, the Heat finished with an overall record of 3-5, going 1-2 in the California Classic and 2-3 in Las Vegas.
While the win-loss category won’t tell the entire story, this was as competitive of a Miami Summer League team as we’ve seen in recent years. There were quite a few standouts—out of many who are in hopes of entering the association.
Here are some final thoughts for this year’s Heat summer roster, as well as a performance grade for each player.
NIKOLA JOVIC – B-
Nikola Jovic’s Summer League stint wasn’t quite the fulfilling one in which many were hoping for. After appearing in all three California games, a quad injury would hold Miami’s latest first-round selection out of their final four outings.
Although, Jovic did show a few small glimpses of what could be a long-term investment. From game one, the floor-spacing, ball skills, and driving abilities were present.
He took advantage of mismatches and was very comfortable creating his own shots from the post area. More importantly, you could see the 19-year-old’s confidence slowly rise for each minute he was out there.
- KEY PERFORMANCE: 25 points and nine rebounds on 5-for-7 from three in Miami Heat defeat over Warriors, 94-70.
Jovic didn’t do all we had hoped for, and a lot due to circumstances, but he showed some things. With improved health moving forward, you can only hope to see more.
