Nikola Jovic is shaping up to be the number one international player in the upcoming 2022 NBA Draft. There will be a number of non-American players selected, many of which who are currently playing at the collegiate level or in the G-League. Jovic separates himself as the top player playing outside of the United States. As a matter of fact, Jovic was selected as the best international player not playing in the NBA in the 2021-22 NBA GM survey.
Gone are the days of doubting international players. There are several NBA superstars who did not play in the United States before the NBA. The list includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Rudy Gobert, and many others. Before them, came the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.
Jovic has the potential to join historic company.
Nikola Jovic and the International Spotlight
A Dive Into Statistics
Jovic is currently playing in the Adriatic Basketball Association. This league covers many countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia. There are a number of successful NBA players from these countries. Jovic was actually born in England but is of Serbian descent.
Last season Jovic appeared in four games for Mega Soccerbet. He put up averages of 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and an assist per game. He also shot 40% from three, although in four attempts per game.
This season, Jovic is featuring more for Mega Mozzart. He’s played in 18 games on just over 27 minutes per game. Jovic is averaging 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His shooting split is at 47/33/77.
These numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, but international statistics rarely do.
For example, Doncic’s numbers at Real Madrid were only slightly higher. Doncic, in the Spanish League and not in the EuroLeague, put up averages of 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game on a 62/28/77 shooting split. Doncic is a good example to use as he’s a recent international star who’s quickly become an NBA superstar.
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It’s way too early, of course, to compare Jovic to Doncic in any way. With that being said, Jovic is playing very well in a professional league at only 18-years-old.
Nikola Jovic Scouting Report
Jovic stands at 6’10.” He also weighs in at 209 pounds. His frame can use improvement, but he’s got NBA-ready size.
His game is somewhat similar in a sense to many European forwards coming into the league. Although he’s got the size to potentially become a low-post bruiser, Jovic is different in the sense that he can shoot, handle the ball in the open court, run the floor quickly, and find open teammates. He’s not by any means a “traditional big man.”
Jovic will spend most of his time in the league playing the four and probably the three depending on what team he’s on. He’s more of a point-forward type, but not necessarily one in the mold of Ben Simmons. Jovic can dribble around opposing defenders, creating space for teammates and himself. He has the capability to create his own shot, whether it’s creating space for a jumper or driving into the lane. His athleticism isn’t elite by any means, but it’s more than enough to be a strong offensive presence.
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The young star isn’t the strongest defender just yet, but that area of his game is growing. It’s important once again to note that he’s just 18-years-old, and will be 19 when he’s drafted this summer. Many of the criticisms he’ll receive when it comes to physicality or athleticism are similar to those Doncic and Jokci received, and it’s safe to say the two have proved any doubters wrong.
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