Spoelstra Checks In on Jovic in Serbia; Southeast Division Roster Updates
spoelstra-jovic-labissiere-coulibaly-holmes-notes
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra traveled to Belgrade last week to watch forward Nikola Jovic suit up for the Serbian national team in an exhibition game against Slovenia ahead of the 2025 EuroBasket tournament.
“I was definitely motivated, he’s one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best,” Jovic said, according to the Miami Herald. “He went the extra mile to come see me. I definitely wanted to show that I’ve improved and that I’ll be even better next season.”
Spoelstra said Jovic’s time with Serbia continues to aid the 21-year-old’s development. “Every time he comes back to us, he comes back more mature,” the coach noted in a television interview.
Southeast Division Notes
Skal Labissiere: The Capital City Go-Go acquired the G League rights to the 29-year-old center from the Stockton Kings in a four-team trade. Washington signed Labissiere to a training-camp deal earlier this month; the move positions the Wizards’ affiliate to add him if he is waived before the season. Labissiere has appeared in 152 NBA games, including four with Sacramento last year after a four-season absence from the league.
Richaun Holmes: Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly said he will miss Holmes, who accepted a two-year contract with 2024 EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos. The unrestricted free agent played 48 games with Washington over the past two seasons. “He’s probably the hardest player I’ve played with,” Coulibaly told Basketnews.com.
Colin Castleton: The Orlando Magic added the former Lakers center on a training-camp contract. Terms were not disclosed.
Source: HoopsRumors
