If Miami Heat fans are not familiar with Dru Smith yet, that is going to change pretty soon. That's because, whether they're willing to admit it or not, Smith is going to emerge as arguably the most important non-starter for the Heat this season.
With the way the roster stands at this point, Smith is going to head into the start of the season as the primary backup behind Davion Mitchell. Could that change over the next few weeks if the Heat decided to use their 15th and final roster spot to sign a veteran guard (perhaps one like Gabe Vincent)? Absolutely.
For the time being, though, Smith is the primary backup for the Heat. And if Miami is going to meet the level of expectations that they've placed on themselves, they're going to need Smith to be better than he's been for the majority of his career.
Dru Smith needs to step up in a big way if he's going to be PG2
Smith has been stellar for the Heat throughout his first four seasons in the league. It's part of the reason why he was signed to an extension last summer. However, during most of that stint, Smith has been a third-string guard for Miami.
There were occasions when his role, on any given night, extended beyond that. For the most part, though, Smith has never been asked to be the primary backup on a consistent basis. That seems like it's about to change.
If Smith is going to be successful in this new role that the Heat are thrusting him into, he's going to have to step up in a big way. In fact, I'd go all the way to say that the Heat are going to need the very best version of Smith this season.
Coming off a season in which he averaged six points and three assists in 16 minutes per game, the Heat are likely going to need slightly more from him. I'd expect him to see at least 20 minutes per contest in this new role. Assuming that's the case, he's also going to need to be more productive.
I'm sure at some point the Heat are expecting another shoe to drop to help stabilize their backcourt. But there's a chance that may not happen until later on in the season (likely when a buyout market develops).
Until then, though, for better or worse, the Heat are going to need to rely on Smith. Because he's entering the season as the primary backup point guard for the Heat, he's suddenly one of the most important players on the roster.
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