Over the last decade, the Miami Heat have had some good fortune when it comes to late first-round and second-round draft picks. They've even managed to find some diamonds in the rough with undrafted free agents.
From Josh Richardson to Duncan Robinson to Max Strus to Nikola Jovic to Jaime Jaquez Jr. to Pelle Larsson, the Heat have consistently found ways to improve on the margins where almost every other team struggles.
And Ryan Conwell, the team's second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, through three games in the preseason, looks like he's the next in a long line of draft steals for the team. Specifically, in the Heat's third preseason game, when the coaching staff (and its fans) got an extended look at Conwell, it's difficult to deny the potential that he carries as a combo guard.
Ryan Conwell is already proving his value to the Heat
In 32 minutes of action, Conwell finished with 22 points, five rebounds, nine assists, and, perhaps most importantly, zero turnovers. The production was great to see from the rookie, especially after it was revealed by Erik Spoelstra after the game that Conwell has had some ups and downs over the last couple of weeks, but it's the attention to detail (and specifically when it comes to taking care of the basketball) that will earn him minutes.
Watching him on the floor for extended minutes, it's pretty clear why the Heat were so high on him coming out of college. You see why the Heat wanted to trade up for him at the start of the second round. But at the same time, and as Spoelstra alluded to after the game, there are natural ups and downs that are going to come with Conwell.
But that shouldn't come as a huge surprise. It also shouldn't dissuade the coaching staff from playing him, especially when there's a clear need in the backcourt.
Because of his playmaking ability, which has been on display throughout preseason, it will be interesting to see how Spoelstra decides to utilize Conwell at the start of the season, especially if Dru Smith isn't back from his injury.
If the patch-worked second unit does have trouble creating, would Spoelstra be willing to turn to the rookie? How soon would he feel comfortable doing so? You'd have to imagine that there's a developmental plan in place for Conwell, one that likely doesn't have him contributing meaningful minutes on night one.
That could shift though, especially if these preseason injuries linger. Or, at the very least, the opportunity will certainly be there.
Conwell is slowly already looking the part as the Heat's next hidden gem find. That should give fans even more to be excited about heading into the start of the season.
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