Jovic: I am a good friend with Jokic. I learned focus and self-discipline. He wants me to go to the Nuggets.
6686 Sports November 6 News Recently, Heat star Nikola Jovic talked about his national team teammate and current Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in an interview.
In the interview, Jovic mentioned that when he was selected by the Heat in 2022, he had not met Jokic yet, but after the experience of the national team in the past two years, the two established a deep friendship.
Jovic said: "I can say that he is a good friend of mine. I am very happy to know him and even more happy to play with him." We can go to Denver. But we do keep in touch and won’t talk too much, but we will always care about each other.”
Jovic also said that he learned a lot from Jokic in all aspects.
He said: "He showed me how basketball should be played. He is so smart. Whether it is basketball IQ, concentration or self-discipline, he really treats basketball as a job-and a very professional attitude. This is what I learned from him: If you want to perform at a high level, you have to go Do what must be done. I personally don’t regard this as a ‘job’. I really love basketball and enjoy the process of playing, but sometimes I have to remind myself that this is a profession.” Jovic also revealed that the two are often ridiculed by fans because of their similar names.
"It used to be joked about a lot, but not so much now." Jovic said with a smile, "I got tired of it in the second year, and I didn't hear much after that. In fact, I heard a fan yelling at the Clippers' home court a few days ago, 'Do you want to be Jokic,' but other than that, there was nothing."
In October, Jovic signed a four-year, $62.4 million contract extension with the Heat. However, his start to the new season has not been smooth. As of today's game against the Nuggets, Jovic averaged 8.7 points, 4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 40.4% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. After serving as the starter in the season opener, he has been moved to the reserve lineup.
