Jovic is interviewed and talks about training preparations, visiting relatives, and the Heat s trust in him (full version)

The following is the Chinese translation:

Nicola Jovic leaned against the wall of the Belgrade Arena, supporting his body with his feet, waiting for a question with a smile. It can be seen that he feels comfortable with where he is and what he is talking about. In his hometown of Belgrade, he talked about what he loved the most - the national team.

Just a few seconds ago, he was standing on the other side of the concrete partition to promote the European Youth Championship in the arena. And now, in the corridor of the largest gym, he talks to Meridian Sport about another event - awaiting the European Championships of him and other top European (and even the world) basketball players in Riga later this summer.

The Heat forward player (also cameoed as a No. 5 if necessary) looks in good health. He did not hide it.

"I have been training alone for a long time. The Heat season ended very early. We did make the playoffs, which is very important to us, but I have been back here since May 1 (local time). Three months have passed. I have been training since May 5 and have only had seven days off. I am tired," Jovic smiled in an interview with Meridian Sport, adding more seriously, "But I am ready!"

In addition to the white T-shirt with the Serbian Basketball Association logo and the necklace looming around his neck, Jovic also has a healthy bronze skin. It wasn't the Florida sunshine -- he took the time to go to Herceg Novi.

"Of course I went to visit my grandparents. I always liked to go there. I couldn't go to Knin, but I hope I could take some time to visit another grandma (grandma)."

This must be done as soon as possible. Because (local time) next Monday, the training camp for the Serbian national team will begin. This will be his third time representing the national team in a major competition. Compared to the same period when I was preparing for the World Championships (World Cup) two years ago, the feeling now is...

"It's exactly the same! I'm always excited. I really live for these events. It's the pinnacle of everyone's career. Representing the national team in big events, whether it's the European Championship, the World Cup or the Olympics, is just as important to me. Every event is equally grand in my heart. As always, we look forward to the best results and strive to be the best."

Jovic is always fighting for a place for himself at the Heat: sometimes starters, sometimes in the Development League, sometimes excellent substitutes. But the team, headed by legendary Pat Riley and coached by respected Eric Spoelstra, is so trusting that they rejected a deal that involves Nikola this summer. They are also full of confidence in Jovic's summer team playing with the national team and always support him in playing for the national team.

"I'm sure it's not easy for them, just like other NBA teams. You let a guy play for his country, you pay him a lot of money, and he's important to you. Injury certainly means loss to them. But coincidentally, for me, I'm a member of the Heat, and Golan Dragic (a player who played for the Heat) is a role model. They themselves say that Dragic will become every time he comes back from a tournament (on behalf of Slovenia) Be stronger. What makes them feel honored and gratified is that they can let me play for Serbia. Of course, it all started with me, and I have always been the one who is willing to give everything to play. It is because they support me and want me to play for Serbia (national team), which gives me more motivation. It also makes me feel relaxed. "

Serbian captain Bogdan Bogdanovic once said that the summers spent with the national team always help him get into the NBA season better. For this view, Jovic nodded in agreement:

"Of course, it must be. The interval between the two seasons in the NBA is very long, especially if you are not playing in the playoffs. It might be three, four, five months not playing. In this way, I have entered the rhythm through the game, and when I return to the NBA, I just need to keep going."

However, for this talented forward player, it was different last year. Jovic participated in the national team training camp with injuries and fought against "serious problems", but eventually managed to make it to the 12-man roster and embarked on a journey to the Paris Olympics. He still regrets that he has failed to play an important role as he did at the World Cup in Manila the summer before.

"How can I not regret it? It's like I..." Jovic paused, "I can't say it dragged the team down, but I couldn't help enough. I barely played some games, and then got sick there, and then I couldn't play at all. Sometimes I even forgot that I had a broken foot (note: the original text is "slomljenog stopala, literally "breaked feet", which is understood as a serious foot injury in context) thrust into the list.

When we assembled, I came in (protective boots). I took it off and actually played like that. The Heat management people didn't like this in the first place, but I just couldn't miss that event. Now I'm healthy, which is the most important thing for me. Everything else will come naturally. Because, at least I know I can meet challenges physically."

And about these challenges, the best players in Serbia are communicating all year round. They kept in touch.

"It means a lot to us. At the beginning of the season we will somewhat avoid talking about (national teams) and try not to think about it. Bogdan must be the one who calls the most about the national team. He even called me before Manila (World Cup) when I wasn't even in the national team's discussions and he asked if I would come. How could I turn down the national team? We contacted often and felt like a big family. ”

Just like they showed on the court-like a large family in blue jerseys.