Last summer, the Miami Heat took a chance on undrafted guard/forward Cole Swider from the LA Lakers. Swider was set to become to next developmental piece in Miami’s system, and he displayed optimism in hopes of becoming their next undrafted success story. Players like Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith, Max Strus, Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent were all the most recent examples of that.
Swider was signed to a two-way contract by the Heat heading into last season, but played most of his games with Sioux Falls Skyforce. In 18 games he appeared in on the Heat, he averaged just 2.3 points, 0.4 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 4.8 minutes. Unfortunately, he never got into a grove in his NBA opportunities during his time here.
There wasn’t much that stood out in Swider’s brief Heat appearances, and he only received his minimal playing time when the team was struck with a plethora of injuries.
This morning, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Swider agreed to a non-guaranteed standard deal to join the Indiana Pacers.
Free agent G Cole Swider has agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell @ThAthletic @Stadium. Swider had an impressive Summer League for Heat, averaging 13.5 points and 49.1 percent 3-point shooting on nearly seven 3s attempted per game. pic.twitter.com/DkTUkGFN5c
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 3, 2024
The Heat’s recent summer league championship got plenty of help from Swider and his services. He shot nearly 50% from 3-point range during the summer and knocked down some clutch shots in his runs.
It’s a shame Swider couldn’t work out; he had that similar Robinson/Strus mold as a knockdown long range shooter. There were just too many limitations outside of shooting the 3-ball; defense especially.
Miami currently has Keshad Johnson, Josh Christopher and Dru Smith occupying their three two-way contracts. Smith’s spot surely seems that it could be up for grabs, and Swider could have made a strong case to do so heading into training camp if the Heat opted to give him the invitation.
However, the sharpshooter remained a free agent over this summer and expressed a desire to earn a standard contract over a two-way, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported.
Swider was looking for a standard deal heading into the season, rather than a two-way, per @flasportsbuzz
Heat couldn’t offer a standard to anyone currently without going over second apron, with arguably better options in their system for that regardless (Keshad/Christopher) pic.twitter.com/ZLNI3zYhoQ
— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) August 3, 2024
Alondes Williams and Isaiah Stevens are now the last ones left that could put up a fight for Smith’s last two-way spot during camp.
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Terry Rozier ranked #28 Point Guard out of 30 in NBA! I like it when players come into camp with chips on their shoulders. That makes at least 3 (Butler, Herro, Rozier). https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rankings-predictions-top-30-point-guards-2024-25/
Screw their rankings, we could use all the chips in world. It would reasonable to expect 18/5/4 from him.
Rozier getting heavily slept on, I think he should be second unit but I really do think that with the injury hopefully dissipated and time to properly soak in and prepare w the system, he will exceed what most of the fanbase is expected of him. He’s a baller and got it in him
No more swiderman.
Please let Stevens in, please let Stevens in, please let Stevens in…
He has an Exhibit 10 contract and can’t be signed by anyone else right now.
I feel empathetic for Dru Smith for what happened last season but hoping he’s healthy no rust, and loses the spot out to Stevens on merit
I agree. I actually think Stevens is more talented with a higher ceiling.
Totally expected. Good luck!