Who will be the next undrafted player to explode under the colors of the Heat ? Maybe Dru Smithsince The Athletic says that the Florida franchise offered a “real” contract to this 25-year-old fullback, who had already visited home (and Brooklyn) last season without settling there. According to Hoopshype, it is a two-year lease, with a partial guarantee for the upcoming season, and a following season activated next July.
Consequently, this means that the very defensive Dru Smith, author of 6.5 points, 5.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals on average in preseason, becomes the 14th classic contract of Miami for 2023/24.
A decision which is not surprising, because Eric Spoelstra sang his praises two weeks ago and his “ very good training camp » even made him an option for the position of starting point guard for the Heat!
“ We were able to put together the most comprehensive training program for him for eight weeks and he improved dramatically », noted the Miami coach about him.
Another signature to highlight in Florida: that of Cole Swider as the Heat’s third two-way contract (with RJ Hampton and Jamal Cain). Briefly spent by the Lakers last season, this 24-year-old winger renowned for his shooting quality showed himself to his advantage in preseason: 11.2 points on average, at 37% at 3-points.
Gabe Vincent and Max Strus respectively left for Los Angeles and Cleveland, Miami has therefore perhaps already found their successors with Dru Smith and Cole Swider. On the other hand, Justin Champagnie and Cheick Diallo were cut off by the Florida leaders a few days before the resumption.
| Dru Smith | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 * | All Teams | 15 | 11 | 40.0 | 26.3 | 100.0 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 2.9 |
| 2022-23 * | BRK | 10 | 9 | 41.9 | 30.8 | 100.0 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 3.3 |
| 2022-23 * | MIA | 5 | 13 | 35.7 | 16.7 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 2.2 |
| Total | 15 | 11 | 40.0 | 26.3 | 100.0 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 2.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
