When it comes to finding and developing undrafted talent, there is none better in the league than the Miami Heat.
For proof, look no further than players like Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith— who all went on to earn pay raises. Dru Smith may be the next one in line for an undrafted success story, and there are similarities between him and another player who excelled in the Heat’s system.
Smith’s career timeline has not been an easy one. He was starting to carve out a bench role early in last season, until an unfortunate ACL injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. The Heat, who saw something in his abilities, gave the two-way guard another chance during this offseason.
Coach Erik Spoelstra has been adminant on Smith’s impact on winning. And that’s been showcased during Miami’s recent four-game win streak, where he’s played a crucial bench role in the team’s backcourt depth. The 26 year-old guard is averaging 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 48% shooting and 50% from 3-point range, but his impact has been deeper than just the box score.
He has a natural feel for getting to all the right spots, especially on the defensive end. He isn’t afraid to step in and draw a charge, which has always been the way to win over Spoelstra and the Heat’s staff. Smith is active in the passing lanes and with his on-ball defense on the perimeter. He seems to always be in the right place for loose balls and offensive rebounds as well— all attributes that Spoelstra appreciates in a role player.
Dru Smith could be the Heat's new Gabe Vincent.
As of now, Smith doesn’t have the same offensive versatility that Vincent had. But when Vincent was just starting out, he didn’t have those skills either. Vincent earned a real rotation spot because of his hustle and point-of-attack defense, which paved the way for the rest of his game to blossom.
It seems to be the same route that Smith is taking right now.
It could be argued that Smith’s impact is higher right now than it was early on with Vincent. The defense is undeniable, and he can set up offense and knock down open looks from beyond the arc. He just needs to get a little more polished on that end of the floor. The two-way potential is an obvious comparison to Vincent, and we already know how a player like that fits with the Heat's core.
Miami recently agreed to trade Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a second-round pick. Smith is currently on one of the team’s two-way contracts but could get promoted to a standard deal soon.
It’s not a coincidence that the front office opened up that spot in the middle of Smith’s emergence in the rotation.