The Miami Heat may have entered the summer expecting Nikola Jovic’s future to be relatively straightforward. Instead, the Serbian forward has given the franchise another major question to consider before the start of the new NBA season.

Jovic’s situation has taken an unexpected turn after a series of impressive performances for Serbia during this summer’s FIBA competition. While the Heat are preparing to begin a new era alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jovic is suddenly making a strong case that he could still have an important role in Miami’s plans.

That was not necessarily the expectation when the offseason began.

After an inconsistent campaign last season, there were legitimate questions surrounding Jovic’s place in Miami’s long-term plans. The Heat had reportedly explored different possibilities involving their roster, and Jovic appeared to be one of the players whose future could become uncertain.

But his performances for Serbia have changed the conversation.

Jovic was outstanding again in Serbia’s latest victory over Iceland, producing 21 points, three rebounds and two assists while shooting 9-for-15 from the field. Even more impressive is that his latest display was not an isolated performance.

Before facing Iceland, Jovic had been averaging an eye-catching 27 points and three rebounds while shooting an incredible 70 percent from the field during the competition.

Those numbers are difficult for Miami to ignore.

The Heat have already invested heavily in building a roster capable of competing during the Giannis era, and one of their biggest challenges will be finding enough production around their superstar. Jovic potentially provides something the team could desperately use: another player capable of creating opportunities rather than simply waiting for someone else to make a play.

His combination of size, passing ability and developing shooting could make him particularly intriguing alongside Giannis and Bam Adebayo.

If Jovic can consistently demonstrate the confidence he has shown with Serbia, Miami could suddenly have another offensive weapon available.

There is, however, an important reason for caution.

Heat supporters have seen this movie before.

Jovic also produced encouraging performances during international competition last summer before receiving a contract extension from Miami. Unfortunately, that momentum did not translate into the significant NBA breakthrough many expected during the following season.

That is ultimately the biggest question hanging over him now.

Can Jovic finally turn flashes of potential into sustained production?

If the answer is yes, Miami’s rotation could look considerably different.

Instead of being viewed as a player whose future with the franchise is uncertain, Jovic could emerge as a valuable contributor capable of operating as a secondary ball-handler, facilitating offense and stretching defenses from the perimeter.

That would be especially important for a Heat team that cannot afford to place the entire creative burden on Giannis and Adebayo.

There is still no guarantee that Jovic will suddenly become the player Miami hoped he would be when they drafted him. International basketball can provide confidence and momentum, but translating that success into the NBA is an entirely different challenge.

Nevertheless, his current form has ensured that the Heat will have plenty to discuss once training camp begins.

Miami may have expected its attention to be almost entirely focused on integrating Giannis into the roster.

Jovic, however, is making sure that won’t be the only storyline.

If he carries his Serbian form into the NBA season, the Heat could find themselves with a surprisingly valuable piece already sitting on their roster — and potentially a player who changes how Erik Spoelstra approaches the rotation.

For Jovic, this could be the opportunity he has been waiting for.

For Miami, it could be an unexpected development that makes an already intriguing new era even more fascinating.