Nikola Jovic’s breakout FIBA play may help expedite Damian Lillard trade for Heat

Exploring how and why Nikola Jovic’s breakout performance in the FIBA Tournament could help expedite a Damian Lillard trade for the Miami Heat.

With the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers stuck in somewhat of a stalemate over Damian Lillard talks, with them being pretty much nonexistent at the moment, something unforeseen is going to have to happen in order for some sort of breakthrough to happen between both sides. Thanks to Nikola Jovic, there’s a case to be made that an unforeseen development could be happening in real time.

That’s because Jovic is having a great showing in FIBA play with Serbia, and that may be putting it lightly.

Through three pool games for Serbia, Jovic is averaging 17 points on a blistering 75 percent shooting from the field and 67 percent shooting from 3-point range. In Serbia’s most recent game against South Sudan, Jovic finished with 25 points on a perfect 9-9 shooting from the field and 5-5 from 3-point range.

But it’s not just his scoring prowess that has flashed during his FIBA play. He’s doing things that not many other 6-foot-10 players can do on a consistent basis – he’s running the floor effectively, making smart and calculated passes to open teammates to create offense, and has made strides with his consistent shooting from deep.

If nothing else, Jovic has clearly improved as a prospect. He just turned 20 years old and may still have a limitless ceiling as a prospect. The question is, how good can he be and how quickly can he get there? He’s certainly a player the Heat clearly value and one that could thrive in one of the NBA’s best developmental systems. However, he may not be in Miami for much longer.

Ultimately, if Jovic is going to be a key part of a possible Lillard-to-Heat trade, there’s one question that needs to be answered: How do the Blazers view Jovic as a prospect?

How do the Portland Trail Blazers view Nikola Jovic?

Even with his breakout showing in FIBA play, there’s no guarantee that the Blazers view him as a premier prospect. But it’s hard to see what Jovic is doing in FIBA play and not be a big moved or at least intrigued by the possibilities.

In a vacuum, Jovic would be a great possible return piece in any Lillard deal. Portland does need help in the frontcourt and Jovic would fit into the new timeline of the Blazers with Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons.

Jovic has been impressive in FIBA play thus far. The question is, has he been so good that he could perhaps expedite a Lillard trade? That remains to be answered.