Nikola Jovic amid trade rumors: 'It’s a business. So what happens happens'

Did the busy offseason help distract you from all the Damian Lillard trade speculation involving the Heat? Nikola Jovic: “Yeah, it did. It did help me for sure. You just concentrate on other things. I was just so concentrated on basketball there that I didn’t have time to think about what’s going to happen. It’s a business. So what happens happens. But of course, right now when I’m [in Miami] and more people talk about it, it’s different than when I was there and just playing and being in the game all the time.” -via Miami Herald / September 25, 2023

Do you feel like you’re better prepared mentally and physically to play a bigger role this season? Nikola Jovic: “For sure, for sure. I’m sure I’m more ready. More ready mentally and physically. The shot also is going to help me a lot. We have some great players that dominate the paint like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. If you get a wide open three, they want you to make it. That’s why you have guys like Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, Duncan Robinson, K-Love (Kevin Love) who always are going to make shots and they needed to be great to be where we were last year. It’s something we need and it’s something I’m trying to just think about all the time and be ready and confident. Because when I get it, I know they want me to make it.” -via Miami Herald / September 25, 2023

One of your goals this offseason was to continue to add weight. Where are you at entering your second NBA season? Nikola Jovic: “I think last year when I came to camp I was 217 pounds. I think now I’m at 234. I was even 240 at the end of last season. But of course, I lost weight this offseason because I’ve been playing a lot.” Are you taller? Have you reached 7 feet yet? “I don’t know. Some people say I am. But I haven’t checked. I don’t think I’m 7 feet with shoes yet.” -via Miami Herald / September 25, 2023