MIAMI, FL – As the Miami Heat gears up for the 2025-26 NBA season, significant attention is being placed on the evolving roles of young forwards Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. With media day having recently concluded, Jovic has made his intentions clear: he aims to secure a starting position, a desire that comes as the team navigates a period of roster transition and seeks to redefine its identity in the post-Jimmy Butler era.
Jovic’s Stated Ambition: A Starting Spot
Nikola Jovic, entering his fourth NBA season, has become a vocal proponent of earning a starting role. At the recent media day, he articulated his aspirations unequivocally. “It matters a lot to me. I feel like everybody wants to be a starter,” Jovic stated, underscoring the personal significance of playing among the initial five. While acknowledging that he may have performed effectively off the bench prior to a significant injury last season, Jovic’s focus is squarely on securing a starting position, a goal he believes is paramount for his development and the team’s success. His clear message is, “I want to earn the starting spot. I want to show people I can start. I can play, that I deserve the starting spot”.
This ambition is bolstered by a recent four-year contract extension worth a reported $62.4 million, which locks him in with the Heat through the 2029-30 season. This significant investment from the organization signals a strong belief in Jovic’s potential and his future with the team, aligning with his expressed desire for an expanded role.
The Starting Lineup Puzzle and Jovic’s Fit
The Miami Heat’s potential starting lineup remains a key storyline heading into training camp. With the departures of players like Haywood Highsmith and Duncan Robinson, and the ongoing recovery of Tyler Herro from ankle surgery, opportunities may arise for Jovic. A theoretical starting five that includes Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, and Bam Adebayo could benefit from an offensive-minded fifth piece who can stretch the floor, a role Jovic is well-suited to fill.
Jovic’s versatility as a 6’10” forward, capable of shooting from distance and initiating offense, makes him a compelling option. His performance in the 2024-25 season, where he averaged career highs in points (10.7), assists (2.8), and minutes (25.1), demonstrates his offensive growth. Projections for the upcoming season suggest his per-36 minute averages could reach approximately 15.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, numbers that would firmly establish him as a reliable starter and secondary playmaker. However, he faces competition, notably from Kel’el Ware, who also vies for minutes and a potential starting role.
Jovic’s Health and Development Journey
Durability has been a concern for Jovic, who has experienced injuries, including a fractured right hand in February 2025 that ended his season prematurely, as well as past ankle and hamstring issues. Despite these setbacks, Jovic has actively worked on his conditioning and maintaining his health. His strong showing in the recent EuroBasket tournament also highlighted his readiness and continued development. He is keen to put together a full, healthy campaign to showcase his full capabilities and justify the organization’s faith.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Seeking Re-establishment Amidst Roster Flux
Jaime Jaquez Jr. finds himself at a critical juncture as he enters his third NBA season. Following a sophomore campaign in 2024-25 that was described as a “shaky” and “forgetful” season, Javi’s focus is on regaining the form that made him a promising rookie. His statistics saw a dip, with his scoring and shooting percentages declining compared to his rookie year.
Recognizing the need for improvement, Jaquez has dedicated his offseason to working with a mental coach, alongside focusing on refining his three-point shooting, defense, and close-range scoring. The significant roster turnover for the Miami Heat, including the departure of teammates like Haywood Highsmith, presents both challenges and opportunities for Jaquez. With Tyler Herro sidelined at the start of the season due to surgery, there is a potential opening for Jaquez to step into a more prominent role on the wing. He acknowledges that the business of basketball involves constant change and is preparing for an “adjustment period” with new faces on the team. Despite a down year, Jaquez remains under contract with a team option for the 2026-27 season and is viewed by some as a potential trade asset, though his immediate focus is on reclaiming his standing within the Heat’s rotation. His career-high 41-point performance in the season finale last year serves as a reminder of his untapped potential.
Team Context and Season Outlook
The Miami Heat are entering the 2025-26 season with a projected win total in the high 30s, signaling expectations of a team hovering around the play-in tournament picture. This marks their first full season without Jimmy Butler, and a significant storyline is the team’s search for a new identity after a tumultuous past season. Key offseason additions, including Norman Powell, Simone Fontecchio, and first-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis, aim to bolster the roster.
Training camp, which begins shortly after media day, will be crucial for Erik Spoelstra and the coaching staff to integrate new pieces, define roles, and establish the team’s on-court identity. The performances and development of Jovic and Jaquez Jr. will be closely watched as they aim to carve out significant roles and contribute to Miami’s aspirations for the upcoming NBA Sports season.
This News from Miami sets the stage for an intriguing preseason as Jovic battles for a starting spot and Jaquez Jr. looks to rebound, both playing crucial parts in the Heat’s quest for success in the competitive Eastern Conference.
