At first glance, the name Nikola Jovic might make basketball fans do a double take. It sounds a lot like three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, right? But while their names might cause confusion, their stories couldn’t be more different. Jovic isn’t riding the wave of a famous name—he’s carving out his own path, step by step, across different countries, leagues, and playing styles.
Jovic’s story isn’t like any other NBA player who always loved basketball. In fact, did you know basketball was not even his first love? Let’s take a deeper dive into his journey.
What nationality is Nikola Jovic? Where is the Heat star from?
Jovic was born on June 9, 2003, in Leicester, England, but there was never any doubt—he was Serbian through and through. His father, Ilija Jovic, was playing professional basketball in the UK at the time, but their roots were in Serbia. Before Nikola was old enough to remember England, his family had already moved back to Belgrade, immersing him in the country’s deep basketball culture.
The twist is, however, that basketball wasn’t his first love. Jovic was all about water polo as a kid. For hours, he trained with VK Partizan, one of Serbia’s powerhouses, for a while, it looked like it would be his fate. Then a massive growth spurt altered everything. He suddenly towered over his peers. Even at his new height, his coordination made basketball so much more involving.
There was more than just height to the switch. Jovic had a knack for the game. He moved smoothly, saw plays before they happened and had a natural feel for basketball. It took him to KK Sava’s youth system, and in 2018 he joined Mega Basket—Serbia’s top development club and NBA prodigy factory. It was when the world started to pay attention.
When was Nikola Jovic drafted in the NBA?
However, Jovic’s breakout moment occurred at the 2021–22 Euroleague Basketball Next Generation Tournament in Belgrade. He didn’t just play well, he virtually crushed his opponents. In turning heads everywhere, he scored 29.3 points, grabbed 10.3 rebounds, dished 4.5 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. Scouts took notice. Analysts started talking. NBA circles suddenly buzzed with his name.
That hype turned into a first-round selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. On June 23, under the bright lights of Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Jovic’s dream came true. The Miami Heat picked him 27th overall. Some thought he’d go higher—maybe even in the lottery—but landing in Miami was perfect. The Heat have a reputation for developing overlooked talent, and Jovic fit right into that mold.
Nikola Jovic was just drafted No. 27 by the Heat
Never forget when Nikola Jokic got picked during a Taco Bell commercial pic.twitter.com/HLxjyiE4Xo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 24, 2022
A little over a week later, on July 2, 2022, he signed his rookie-scale contract and officially became part of the Heat family. But making it to the NBA is one thing—thriving is another. The transition was tough. The game was faster, the players stronger, and the physicality was at a whole new level. His rookie season wasn’t about making an immediate splash—it was about learning, adjusting, and proving he belonged.
Jovic flashed his potential even with limited minutes. He could stretch the floor, handle the ball at his size, make smart plays. They knew they had something special. He should mature with time, patience, and Erik Spoelstra’s guidance and eventually become a key piece of Miami’s future.
Has Nikola Jovic played for the Serbian national team?
Jovic was still struggling to figure things out in the NBA but also making a name on the international stage. He was supposed to play FIBA U16 European Championship in 2019, where he saw his first real opportunity to represent Serbia. However, just as he was gearing up to debut, he suffered an arm injury, resulting in him having to wait on the first match for his national team.
So that setback didn’t stop him. Jovic was ready for the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup that arrived. He finished 18.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in seven games, landing on the All-Tournament Team. He was not just good, but one of Serbia’s brightest young stars.
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (5) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Then came his senior national team debut. In February 2022, he played in Serbia’s 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, becoming one of the youngest players on the roster. Initially, he was set to play in EuroBasket 2022, but the Heat wanted him to stay in the U.S. to focus on his NBA development. That didn’t stop him from making an impact when it mattered most.
At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Jovic played a big role in Serbia’s silver-medal run. He averaged 10.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over eight games, showing he could hold his own against some of the world’s best players. Then, in 2024, he helped Serbia secure bronze at the Summer Olympics, proving he’s a leader for the next generation of Serbian basketball.
This hasn’t been a journey that was predictable for Jovic. From a Belgrade water polo playing kid he made the leap to the NBA draft. From an overlooked international prospect to a key player for Serbia’s national team. The story is about persistence, adaptation, raw talent.
His NBA future is ahead of him, and early signs point to him being a big part of Miami’s future. And on the international stage? He’s already done the business of playing for his country and has proved he can handle the pressure. One thing is certain: whether he’s suiting up in a Heat jersey or Serbia’s national colors, it’s always a treat to see him play.
Nikola Jovic is a name you will hear about for years to come.
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