Erik Spoelstra is ‘not stressed’ because of Nikola Jovic’s ‘uneven’ start to the season

MIAMI – Like The Miami Heat have a relatively healthy roster right nowwhat comes with that are sacrifices on the player’s part, whether it’s benching a starter or maybe not even getting playing time. One a player who fits those criteria is the young Heat forward Nikola Jovicwho is the head coach Erik Spoelstra talked about his development during the rising season.

It cannot be denied that Jović had “uneven” season, according to Spoelstra, he averaged 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from the field. After missing four games with a hip impingement, he would be available for Wednesday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks, but it would be a healthy scratch after many key players return.

Not being part of Miami’s 10-man rotation Wednesday, Spoelstra would talk about Jovic’s development and even told ClutchPoints that he’s “not stressed” about the 22-year-old’s start.

“We’re going to continue to push for that development,” Spoelstra said before Saturday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. “And it’s the start of the year, it’s been a little uneven so far, but that’s going to happen to the young guys. I’m not stressed about it. The challenge when you’re coaching a team that has a few young guys, it’s probably not realistic that they’re all going to hit at the same time.”

“So there’s going to be some little ups and downs, but he’s committed,” Spoelstra continued. “We’ll continue to work with him. He’s not out, as I don’t look at it that way. He was out with an injury and then the other guys played well. It’s a good thing, guys are playing well in making these tough decisions, he’ll have plenty of opportunities, maybe tonight.”

Asked Erik Spoelstra about Nikola Jovic’s development after not playing while available last game.

Teasing the role for tonight.

“The start of the year, so far, has been a bit uneven, but that will happen to the young guys…”

Full answer: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/aF57gZ9I5z

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) November 29, 2025

Heat’s Nikola Jovic on his uncertain role

There may be concerns from some in the fan base The Heat gave Jovic a $62.4 million contract extensiondevoting himself to the development he made. However, Jovic has been through this kind of funk before, sitting out six straight games but finishing the remaining 32 games with double-digit minutes, leading Jovic to admit how “difficult” it is, but it gives him motivation to improve.

“I’m fine,” Jovic said, The Miami Herald reports. “It’s something that happens, you know, I guess every season. I’m going to come back, I’m going to get back on the court again, I’m going to get a chance and show that I can play again. And then the circle turns.”

“It’s still difficult,” Jovic continued after practice on Friday afternoon. “You don’t want to go out. It gets a little confusing. But now it’s really become, I guess, a normal thing. The good thing is that before I had examples like Duncan (Robinson), who would be a big piece and then not play at all, and a lot of things. So I’m just chilling and waiting for my opportunity.”

In fact, Jovic would be a no-brainer, using himself as a way to add depth to the squad.

“I think if I’m the 11th guy on the bench, I think we have a pretty good team,” Jovic said, reportedly with a smile.

Either way, Miami is 13-6 heading into Saturday’s game against the Pistons, looking to win its seventh straight as the team wraps up the current home stretch on Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.