In case you may have missed it, Miami Heat guard Dru Smith will miss the rest of the 2024-25 season with a torn Achilles–an injury he unfortunately suffered during Monday’s 15-point win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Previously, after the Thomas Bryant trade, Smith–on a two-way contract–was the favorite to earn a standard contract with the Heat currently operating below the league minimum in standard deals. They have until Dec. 29 to fill that 14th standard spot. So who are a few other candidates that can potentially earn that spot? Let’s examine!
Keshad Johnson, F
Up until Smith’s recent surge, Johnson was the likely favorite to secure the 15th roster spot when he was eligible to be converted without the Heat exceeding the second apron. He’s done nothing but prove his worth since joining the Heat organization as an undrafted rookie. He’s the head of the snake for the G-League’s best defense, is knocking down 39.6 percent of his 3.7 triple tries per game–his swing skill–and is a human highlight reel around the rim, especially in transition. He’s been spectacular for Sioux Falls and is working to stick with the Heat full-time–now could be his opportunity.
Josh Christopher, G
Let’s move to the only other two-way on the roster! Alongside Alondes Williams, we saw glimpses of Christopher’s ignitability after joining the Skyforce last year. Christopher parlayed his excellent Summer League into a two-way contract, which he’s maintained since. He’s fourth in the G-League in scoring, averaging 26.4 points per game, even though he’s hoisting north of 21 shots per game. He’s leveraged his above-average athleticism into rebounding the ball well for his position. He’s shown pockets of good defense, but it hasn’t been consistent given the creation burden he possesses offensively. He’s got a very intriguing skillset that appeals, though he’d be in a different role with the Heat comparatively to Sioux Falls, making his fit all the more interesting.
Isaiah Stevens, G
My feelings about Stevens’ fit with the Miami Heat are well-documented. He possesses a skill set that’s a dying art in the NBA: Being a pure floor general. Stevens is small in size, but he’s got a sturdy base with good center of gravity; he’s an elite passer, has exceptional touch around the rim (for his size) and routinely puts his teammates in favorable positions to succeed. That said, the undrafted rookie doesn’t have a two-way contract, so I don’t believe he would leap to a standard right away. I’ve been wrong before, however.
Wildcard: Dennis Smith Jr., G
Smith signed with the Wisconsin Herd–the Milwaukee Bucks’ G-League affiliate–last week. He didn’t appear in the G-League showcase last weekend, so who knows how available (and ready) he’ll actually be from the onset. Since he already has seven years of experience under his belt, he’s not eligible for a two-way. Though he’s the one player on this list outside of Stevens who could fill in for Smith as a backup point guard. Listed at 6-foot-3, Smith is an exceptional point-of-attack defender with phenomenal screen navigation and very good hands. He’s not your poster boy for efficiency, but he can fit a role the Heat will not have in Smith’s absence, making him an intriguing target.
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Keshad Johnson Gets Promoted to Standard Deal. Yes!
Bring in Johnson and Stevens. Either play Richardson or trade him for second round pick and bring in Dennis Smith. Promote Dru Smith over summer to regular contract.