Miami

Heat

Similar to Orlando Robinson, Jovic headed into this offseason with an eye toward competing for rotation minutes in the fall. While he didn’t shoot the ball well from the field, the second-year forward did contribute in other areas. Jovic, and a few other Heat players, may be in a bit of a “holding pattern” due to the reports that Damian Lillard is looking to be traded to Miami. But there’s still a need to improve and show that they’re worthy of rotation minutes, whether it’s in Miami or somewhere else.

Robinson was sensational in Miami’s opener in Las Vegas, scoring 36 points on 59% shooting while also grabbing 11 boards and blocking two shots. While he was upgraded to a standard contract at the beginning of July, Robinson has work to do to ensure that he gets a shot at earning rotation minutes when training camp begins. He made quite the statement against the Celtics, showing why the Heat decided to get their second-year center onto a standard contract.

Jaquez struggled in his second Summer League game in Sacramento, and there’s certainly a chance that he doesn’t play against Boston on Saturday. He looked good in his SL debut, and there’s no reason for Miami to risk further injury for a guy that they just drafted in the first round. We’ll see if he can turn some of this Summer League success into rotational minutes this season.

Jovic put up his second 22-point outing in as many games on Wednesday, showing signs of growth as he prepares for his second NBA season. Playing time was scarce for him last season, and Jovic’s fantasy potential in 2023-24 may depend on what happens with the Heat’s quest to land Damian Lillard. Should that happen, would Jovic be included in a trade, or would he remain in Miami? For that reason alone, he isn’t a player that fantasy managers should plan on drafting, even with his solid play in Sacramento this week.

Lillard made it known after the start of free agency that he would like to be traded to a contender, with the Heat reportedly at the top of his list of preferred teams. However, while Portland would like to “do right” by its star guard, there’s also the desire to receive the best possible package in return as the franchise rebuilds. While Tyler Herro’s name has come up as a possible trade “piece,” it has been reported that Portland isn’t all that interested in adding him. With Anfernee Simons (who’s been the subject of trade rumors himself), Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson all on the roster, the last thing Portland would need is another young guard siphoning playing time from that trio. As a result, if Herro is moved in a Lillard trade, it would likely be to a third team.

Players with a season of NBA experience under their belt are, in most cases, expected to be among the best performers at Summer League. While he didn’t play much as a rookie, Jovic certainly fits the bill, and he played well Monday night in Sacramento. While the Heat did re-sign Kevin Love, there could be room for Jovic on the back end of the rotation, especially if Miami swings a trade for a big name that takes away some of the team’s depth. Jovic was one of three players with prior NBA experience to start Monday’s summer opener for the Heat, with Dru Smith (13/7/5/3 with one 3-pointer and two turnovers) and Orlando Robinson (13/8/1/1/1 with two 3-pointers) being the others.

Only so much can be taken from a Summer League performance, especially when it’s the first game. But the Heat had to be pleased with what they saw from their first-round pick, as Jaquez shot better than 50% from the field in the comfortable victory. He was able to score from all three levels, and while the defensive production wasn’t there, Jaquez is far from a liability on that end of the floor. What his role will be in Miami isn’t known yet, especially with the Heat being rumored to be in the mix for Damian Lillard. But he’s an experienced draft pick who has the tools needed to fit into the rotation immediately at the small forward position.

Dame has made it clear that he wants to be traded to the Heat, but the Blazers have to make the best decision for their team. Miami can offer an enticing package, but other rumors suggest that Portland would want Tyler Herro rerouted to a different team. The team has stated publicly that they want an All-Star talent back, but it wouldn’t be shocking if they just wanted a haul of picks back. There’s no clear indication of where Dame will end up, but there are plenty of teams interested.

Robinson played last season on a two-way contract, and the Heat extended a two-way qualifying offer before the start of free agency. The shift to a standard contract gives the 7-footer a little more security, but this does not guarantee Robinson fantasy relevance next season. At best, he’ll be a streamer if the Heat are forced to play without Bam Adebayo.

Smith is one of two guards the Heat signed to two-way deals on Saturday, with Jamaree Bouyea being the other. Smith appeared in a total of 15 games for Miami (five) and Brooklyn (10) as a rookie, averaging 2.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 15. assists. He’s unlikely to log consistent rotation minutes next season, even with the departures of Gabe Vincent and Max Strus.