Kel'el Ware and Pelle Larsson may have stolen headlines all throughout the Miami Heat's Summer League, but Vlad Goldin is certainly a player who had his fair share of bright moments. In fact, if their recent comments are any indication, the Heat believe they may have a keeper with Goldin.
Goldin was signed shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft when he was not selected. Inked to a two-way deal, it does appear as if the Heat's coaching staff may be expecting so much more from the 7-foot-1 center.
Heat's summer league head coach Eric Glass had glowing remarks about Goldin and what he brings to the table as a developmental piece.
"He plays so freakin’ hard out there. He plays so physical. You’d like to have him on the floor even longer, but he goes so hard, sometimes he burns himself out. That’s why we love him."Eric Glass on Vlad Goldin
What are realistic expectations for Goldin?
In a perfect world, the Heat would be able to insert Goldin as the primary backup behind Bam Adebayo and Ware. However, he's probably not quite there yet. Even though he did pop throughout his time in the summer league, there are still questions about his lateral quickness and whether he'll be able to survive in the Heat's constant switching defensive philosophy.
That's why it's probably a safe bet that Goldin is going to spend much of his rookie season developing on the Heat's G League team, Sioux Falls.
Will there be times when the Heat call him up to gauge how close he is to contributing? Sure. But it's safe to assume that Goldin, at best, is probably a full year away from emerging as even an option to be included in the rotation.
Then again, much of that was also the expectation for Ware, and we all saw how quickly he defied those odds this past season.
Goldin is far from the player that Ware is, and a much lesser athlete. But there could be some similarities in their development during their respective rookie seasons.
But the Heat clearly has seen enough in Goldin that they're all-in, at least for now, on his development. And if the way he closed his summer league stint is any indication, the Heat should be speaking highly of Goldin.
It's a bit much to expect Goldin to emerge as a contributor to the Heat as soon as this season, but it's become clear they are excited about the future of his development. And, if the Heat have found nothing else than a potential backup in the frontcourt with Goldin, that would be considered another undrafted win for the franchise.