Almost every year, there's one player who emerges as a new darling for every fan base. Generally speaking, many of those players end up being underdogs who just happen to be thriving under the radar.
Somewhat quietly, before training camp even begins, Heat fans may already have theirs with Tre Donaldson. Admittedly, a lot can change between now and the start of training camp, and eventually the season, but Donaldson continues to do everything he can to hammer home his resume for the fan base's next cult hero.
The latest piece of evidence that may point in this direction is the fact that he's consistently put in the hard work this summer, and in a very public way. From the outside looking in, it does seem as if Donaldson is going above and beyond in training with NBA players that could help him improve individually.
More specifically, Donaldson was recently working out with Davion Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, Nick Richards, James Wiseman, and other NBAers.
Tre Donaldson is doing everything he can to prepare for Heat training camp
While this is all music to Heat fans' ears, it should also be understood that this guarantees nothing. Donaldson can put in all the work during the offseason, but especially considering that he's on a two-way contract, the Heat could still elect to move in a different direction at any given moment.
Just because he's working out with Mitchell and Bam, two projected starters on the Heat, doesn't mean he's guaranteed or deserving of anything.
But, at the very least, he's already making a great first impression on the fan base. And probably the coaching staff, front office, and at least a few of his teammates.
Even though he's not guaranteed anything, this is exactly the approach that you want to see from such a young player. This is exactly the blueprint that most young players use not only to get in the good graces of the team, but also as a path to improve in a way that's meaningful and measurable.
As an undrafted free agent, the odds of Donaldson making any type of impact for the Heat this season were always going to be long. After the move for Giannis Antetokounmpo during the summer, it's going to put even more pressure on Donaldson's development.
Because if he wants to stick around, he needs to show some signs quickly. The Heat are not going to waste a roster spot (even a two-way one) on a player who needs years to find his footing. Miami is looking to win now. And that should add even more urgency to Donaldson as he prepares for this season.
With the way he's been working on his game this summer, it appears he's gotten that message loud and clear. And that's something that is going to resonate with the fans.
Add us as a preferred source on Google