Nikola Jovic, the rising star power forward for the Miami Heat, recently revealed his thoughts on the greatest NBA players of all time. In a discussion with Cyro Asseo de Choch of HoopsHype, Jovic named Russell Westbrook as the greatest player of the current era and Michael Jordan as the all-time greatest.
“Talking basketball, probably Michael Jordan. MJ and the guy I always looked when I was growing up, gotta be Russell Westbrook. He was the one who was playing every single game like it was his last one and that’s something I always loved.”
This intense passion and relentless effort on the court have clearly influenced Jovic’s perception of what makes a player truly great.
Westbrook’s impressive resume supports Jovic’s high regard. A member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star, the NBA MVP for the 2016–17 season, and a nine-time All-NBA Team member.
He has led the league in scoring twice and in assists three times. Additionally, he’s a two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP, cementing his legacy as one of the most dynamic and impactful players in recent history.
On the other hand, Michael Jordan’s legendary status as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) is widely acknowledged. Jordan’s career achievements include six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and 14 All-Star selections. His influence on the game transcends statistics, as he set the standard for excellence and competitive spirit in basketball.
For Jovic, these two players represent different eras but share a common trait of playing with unmatched intensity and dedication. As a young player in his second NBA season with the Miami Heat, Jovic averaged 7.7 points and 4.2 rebounds, showing promise and potential in his budding career. His respect for Westbrook and Jordan reflects his aspiration to bring similar passion and excellence to his own game.
By naming Westbrook and Jordan as his GOATs, Jovic highlights the importance of relentless effort and a winning mentality, values he hopes to embody as he continues to develop in the NBA.
Nikola Jovic On How He Has Grown In The NBA
In a recent interview, Miami Heat power forward Nikola Jovic shared insights into his development as an NBA player over the last 18 months. Reflecting on his journey, Jovic emphasized the significant growth he has experienced, both on and off the court.
When asked how much he has grown as a player, Jovic highlighted the invaluable lessons learned during the Miami Heat’s run to the NBA Finals.
“I think I grew a lot, especially from last year being in the Finals and learning about how to get there and how hard it is. A lot of veteran players are great guys and great people who taught me how to be first a great person and, after that, a great basketball player. I think I learned a lot, like I said, especially last year.”
“This year, I got a little bigger role, and I had the chance to start in the playoffs, which was a big deal, of course, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m grateful that the coaches saw that I can play, and I hope I’ll give back to the team and to the city of Miami soon.”
He credited veteran players on the team for teaching him the importance of being a great person first, which subsequently helped him become a better basketball player. This season, Jovic has taken on a larger role, even starting in the playoffs. Jovic expressed his gratitude to the coaches for recognizing his potential and giving him the chance to prove himself.
“I kind of learned how hard it is to just play every other day and be a starter. Just locking in every possible and just thinking about basketball all the time is something that helped me stay focused.”
“I kind of feel like having a routine was a big thing for me, basically having a good routine every day where you stay the course and you stay ready for the games. As soon as I started a few games in a row, I found a way to contribute every other night and kind of clicked for me.”
Discussing the biggest learning curve this year as a starter, Jovic mentioned the challenges of maintaining focus and consistency. Developing a daily routine was crucial for his success. Once he established this routine, he found a way to contribute consistently.
Through his dedication and the mentorship of his teammates, Jovic has made significant strides in his NBA career, positioning himself as a valuable player for the Miami Heat.