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.
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.