MIAMI — The notion with the Miami Heat starting Nikola Jovic over Kel’el Ware is one of downsizing. The reality is a mere two inches, from Jovic’s 6-foot-10 to Ware’s 7-0.
To coach Erik Spoelstra the differential is such that the approach should not lead to a dramatic differential in rebounding.
That was made clear by Spoelstra, after the Heat were pounded 57-40 on the glass in their preseason-opening loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
Jovic had three rebounds in that game. Monday, in the home-opening exhibition loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Kaseya Center, Jovic had eight and the Heat won the rebounding battle 60-43.
“That’s one of the things that his head coach has been talking to him about a lot,” said Spoelstra, whose team on Wednesday night hosts the San Antonio Spurs in the third of the team’s six exhibitions. “He’s improved basically everywhere, except for the rebounding. And he took ownership of that (Monday). He’s capable of rebounding much better than he has.
“Last year, summer, and so far in training camp, it has to be a priority for him. You can see when he rebounds and puts his mind to it.”
Almost insistent at times in being viewed as a perimeter player, Jovic’s rebounding average dropped from 3.6 in 2023-24 to 3.3 last season.
“He’s got to rebound his size,” Spoelstra said. “And then he’s our best bust-out guy. So that leads to great action and flow going up the court. But he can’t be a wandering generality on the glass.”
It hasn’t only been Spoelstra in Jovic’s ear, with former Heat captain Udonis Haslem working somewhat as a rebounding coach during drill work. After being pummeled on the glass in last season’s record-setting series playoff blowout against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jovic said he has been all ears.
“In the first game, rebounding was a big part of Orlando’s success,” Jovic said of the preseason opener in San Juan. “And rebounding was a big part of why we lost last year to Cleveland, to look the way we looked.
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“That’s why we have guys like UD, who really helps with that.”
More Jovic
With leading men Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell sidelined, Jovic has become more of a voice in the locker room, leading to a pair of whimsical observations after Monday’s second exhibition.
Of newcomer Norman Powell scoring 18 points in 16 minutes on Monday night, Jovic said, “As soon as you see Norm in position, just pass him the ball. Easiest assist ever.” Jovic closed with seven assists Monday night.
Then there was Jovic on his alley-oop feed to Jaime Jaquez Jr., who appeared in the 2024 All-Star dunk contest in February.
“I was just trying to check if he can still jump,” Jovic said with a laugh. “After that dunk contest, I haven’t seen him do it much since. So I just want to make sure he’s looking up.”
Patient approach
At 1 of 8 from the field and averaging six points (10th on the team) through two exhibitions, center Bam Adebayo said after Tuesday’s practice at Kaseya Center he is not concerned.
“I’m old enough to realize it’s early,” the ninth-year veteran said. “But we want guys to be comfortable. My job right now is really a lot of teaching and making sure guys are in their spot, but also making that extra pass so we can get comfortable.
“But they know when we start incorporating the offense, I’m going to shoot the ball.”
Also down are the Heat’s 3-point attempts through two exhibitions, at 22 of 57.
“We’ll find out what makes the most sense for this team,” Spoelstra said Tuesday. “We’re getting some good attacks in the paint. Those numbers have been going up, drive numbers have been going up. The aggressive metrics have been going up, and teams will adjust to that. It will probably open up the three-ball more.
“I think we’ll get there. We’ll find a better balance.”
Still out
Tyler Herro (ankle), Terry Rozier (hamstring) and Simone Fontecchio (leg) were held out of practice Tuesday, with Davion Mitchell (calf), Pelle Larsson (quadriceps) and Kasparas Jakucionis (wrist) doing some light work.
