Miami Heat guard Dru Smith has torn his left achilles and is out for the rest of the season, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania first reported Tuesday.
https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1871624526456668431
Smith’s injury occurred during the second quarter of Monday’s game. He went scoreless in seven minutes of action, tallying one rebound and one assist.
This very unfortunate news puts a huge damper on what was already a phenomenal start to a bounce-back year for Smith, who missed all but nine games last season a season-ending ACL injury he suffered in November in 2023.
In what has been a frustrating start to the 2024-25 season, Smith’s emergence has been a spec of light. He was having a career season, averaging 6.8 points and 1.6 steals on 51.7/53.3/76.9 shooting splits. Smith elevated into the Heat’s backup point guard role–even though he’s not a natural point guard–where he displayed excellent point-of-attack defense and fluid connectivity within the offense.
It’ll be a big question what the Heat do with their 14th roster spot now that Smith–who was a shoo-in to earn the nod–will miss the entire season. Regardless if the 26-year-old is on contract–on a two-way or standard–he can still rehab with the team if he chooses to. Let’s hope that he comes back even stronger from this recent setback.
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This is absolutely heartbreking. Two seasons in a row it’s happened to this poor guy. Both times before he could be converted from a two-way contract. I’m really speechless about this one
Yes, it’s a crying shame for a guy who worked so hard and was so positive.
Wishing Dru a full recovery. This was a player that had beaten the odds and was blossoming into a solid player. Those skills will not be lost. Still, sometimes life can be tough.
I hope Miami keeps him through the end of the season and signs him to new two-way for next year until he is ready to come back. Then if all is good, give him a 3 year contract in the range of an average rookie. He’s worked very hard and earned it. He’ll be happy.
What a seatback. Get well, Dru as soon as possible.