New York Knicks: Nikola Jovanovic Looking To Make His Mark

After three seasons at USC and a season with the New York Knicks affiliate in Westchester, Nikola Jovanovic is looking to make his mark in the NBA.

The University of Southern California has produced some solid NBA players and countless draft picks over the years. Despite not being drafted in 2016, Nikola Jovanovic is looking to carve out his own mark and be one of the next USC alum to use the NBA D-League as his launching pad to a basketball future.

Before arriving in Westchester, Jovanovic played three years at Southern California and had the best year of his collegiate career in his final season. After USC finished with a 12-20 record during the 2014-15 season, the Trojans weren’t expected to do well the following season.

As a junior, he was a big part of a team that not only surprised many, but made the NCAA Tournament.

The 6’11” forward lead the team in rebounds per game (7.0) and was second on the team in scoring (12.1 points per game). He also led the team in field goal percentage (52.4 percent) out of the 12 players who played at least 20 games.

After three productive seasons at USC, Jovanovic declared for the NBA Draft in 2016. Despite leaving with one year of eligibility left, he had many great memories, which included making the NCAA Tournament in 2016.

“It was one of the best college seasons that I had [junior season in 2015-16] for all those three years,” Nikola Jovanovic said. “We definitely proved when we came there. We started from scratch like new coach [and] new players. We were the youngest team in the country and every year we were showing the improvement. By the junior year, we got really mature. We started two juniors and three freshmen; something like that. And we had a great year; went to the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, [we] lost in the first round on a buzzer beater, but it was an amazing year. I will never forget it.”

Along with three seasons of basketball at the Galen Center, Nikola Jovanovic was able to graduate in three years. With a degree in hand, Jovanovic believes he can commit to improving and developing his game.

“[My focus is] just to get better and improve on my game. This is the first time that I don’t need to go to classes. I can fully commit to basketball and I was looking forward to. Even though I was able to graduate in three years, I was really looking forward to just developing and go to the training camp. Like I was first with the [Detroit] Pistons and go there and should what I could do. Like give my best and improve myself.”

After going undrafted, the USC product joined the Detroit Pistons for the Orlando Summer League and signed with the team in September. After Jovanovic was waived due to an MCL injury, the Grand Rapids Drive, the Pistons’ D-League affiliate, acquired the big man and believed he could potentially be a contributor for the team.

Over the course of his first three games, he averaged a double-double (20.6 points and 14.3 rebounds). That included his career game during which he posted 27 points, 17 rebounds, and two steals.

Jovanovic attributed his early success to the competition he faced in his early professional career with the Detroit Pistons. Against the likes of Andre Drummond, Boban Marjanovic, and Aron Baynes, Jovanovic said he improved immensely during his short time there.

For a young forward entering the professional scene, it was a great learning experience.

“I had really good match-ups with [Andre] Drummond, Boban Marjanovic, and Aron Baynes and I feel like over there over like two and a half months and improved a lot,” Jovanovic said. “I was playing well. I was playing my game. I just got hurt after those three games; like the guy fell on my knee and I sprained my MCL, so I had a break for a month and half, which I never had. I never missed any game in my college career and before that never got hurt. I got back and now I’m feeling 100 percent and just waiting on my opportunity.”

Even with the matchups Jovanovic had in Detroit, he was able to soak in the veteran presence with the Grand Rapids Drive and Westchester Knicks. With the likes of Jordan Crawford, Ray McCallum, and Kevin Murphy in Grand Rapids, and Maurice Ndour and Marshall Plumlee in Westchester, the USC product was able to receive great advice from those players.

“Those are veteran players and you can always seek great advice from them and that’s what I’ve been doing and they’re always like trying to give really good advice to improve your game on, especially on my position,” Jovanovic said. “I think over there [Grand Rapids], I was the youngest guy on the team. Over here [Westchester], may be one of the youngest too. But age doesn’t affect the way you play. You get really good advice from them and keep doing what you do.”

With Henry Ellenson seeing action Grand Rapids while on assignment from Detroit, and Grand Rapids putting Chris Horton in the starting lineup, Jovanovic’s playing time started to diminish.

Soon thereafter, Jovanovic was traded to the Westchester Knicks for a 2017 second-round pick. The USC product felt a change of scenery was best for him.

“Over there [in Grand Rapids] for some reason, I wasn’t getting the right opportunity I was suppose to,” Jovanovic said. “My representation made the move and I got traded here [to the Westchester Knicks] and I’ve been having a great time here. Coach [Miller] is amazing [and] the players too. Everything is great. We’re in New York. Really great organization, so I’m really happy about it.”

The 6’11” forward had several solid games with the Westchester Knicks. He notched two double-doubles in his final three games and showcased his rebounding prowess.

Jovanovic was able to finish the season on a high note by recording 22 points and 14 rebounds on 9-of-11 shooting from the field in the team’s final game against the Long Island Nets.

The Westchester Knicks finished the season on April 1. Although the 2016-17 season ended, however, the basketball year was not over. After what Jovanovic showed during his time with Grand Rapids and Westchester, he earned looks in mini camps.

“The season ends on April 1st and from there’s a lot of mini camps and Summer League, so from those points I’ll definitely know,” Jovanovic said. “I think I’m going to be a free agent after that, so we’ll see, but I’ll definitely do what’s best for me and my basketball career and future wise.”

38 players in the NBA D-League were invited to the D-League Elite Mini Camp on May 8 and 9. Out of the 38 players who were invited to Chicago, Nikola Jovanovic was one of those who participated in the two-day event. With the Elite Mini Camp in the books, Jovanovic could garner more interest during the offseason.

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