The 2025 NBA Draft dust hasn't even settled yet, but the Miami Heat continue to make big undrafted free agent moves. Their biggest took place shortly after the end of the second round, in which the Heat may have found their answer at the backup center position. Miami signed Vlad Goldin to a two-way contract after he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Goldin should be a familiar name for Heat fans in South Florida. Before finishing his career with a senior season at Michigan, Goldin played three years at Florida Atlantic. During his second season with the Owls, Goldin helped the team make an unlikely run to the Final Four. This past season with the Wolverines, Goldin averaged 17 points and seven rebounds on 61 percent shooting from the field.
Goldin could be the team's answer behind Kel'el Ware
While it may be a little much to expect Goldin, a rookie on a two-way contract, to be the team's long-term answer at the backup center position, he is an intriguing post-draft signing. Goldin played five years of college basketball and is 24 years old. He's not your traditional rookie.
At this point in his basketball career, Goldin knows what he is and what he isn't. For the Heat's sake, they're hoping that to be true. And if there's anything Miami is betting on Goldin, it's the fact that he can continue to live off his 7-foot-1 frame.
As the saying goes, you can't teach size. That's what Goldin has that not too many other undrafted centers have. But it's not just that Goldin is big; there are many other attributes of his game that likely caught the eye of Miami's scouting department.
Goldin is a skilled offensive player in the paint; he was incredibly efficient last season at Michigan and is an underrated passer. He's not a wiry 7-footer, but Goldin is strong and fills out his frame. He knows how to control his body and has the potential to emerge as a rim-protector for the Heat down the road.
Sure, there are concerns about his lack of quickness and agility, and the fact that he doesn't offer much as a scorer outside of the paint. However, the talent and production are there for Goldin, so he certainly deserves a shot to prove his worth at the next level.
It's impossible to predict how much Goldin will play this season for the Heat, but there's at least a chance he's able to grow into the backup center role for the team. Miami certainly made the most out of their draft opportunities with their selection of Kasparas Jakucionis, and Goldin could be the cherry on top they needed.