Why Dru Smith continues to be in Heat’s plans despite questions from fanbase

Despite waiving him four times in three years, the Miami Heat can’t quit Dru Smith.

The first time was in 2021, when the Heat waived Smith from an Exhibit 10 contract in order to funnel him to their G League program. He was waived from a second and third time the following season as the Heat toggled between him and Orlando Robinson for their final two-way spot.

The last time came last season, after Smith had ACL reconstruction surgery in his right knee in November. The Heat needed his roster spot to sign Patty Mills for needed depth during a season defined by teamwide injuries.

But the Heat never gave up on Smith. Even after being waived last season, Smith spent time working out at the Heat facility and attended occasional practices and film sessions. Coach Erik Spoelstra appreciated his dedication, professionalism and selflessness.

So it was an easy decision to re-sign Smith, 26, to a two-way contract in July.

“He just makes winning play after winning play,” Spoelstra said. “The guys love playing with him, he connects the group.”

The Heat appreciate the little things Dru Smith brings to the court.

With Josh Richardson sidelined for the preseason, Smith has assumed Miami’s backup point guard duties in the first two preseason games. He was solid in Sunday’s preseason win over the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing with four points, three rebounds, two steals, one block and five assists in 16 minutes.

“Just play hard, play the right way and try to get everybody involved,” Smith said of his approach this season.

Smith’s numbers won’t jump out of the box score. He has averaged 3.5 points over 24 NBA games while shooting 33% from 3-point range. But the staff remains impressed more with what doesn’t show up in the final tally.

Mainly, turnovers.

For his career, which includes 15 games with the Toronto Raptors, 10 with the Brooklyn Nets and 14 with the Heat, Smith has totaled 36 assists to just eight turnovers.

That elite assist-to-turnover ratio (4.5 to 1) is why Spoelstra feels comfortable with Smith setting the table for an offense that needs as many efficient looks as possible.

“He allows that group to function because he can get them organized and get the ball where it needs to go,” Spoelstra said.

So while Smith won’t ever be the volume scorer that Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro or even Alec Burks have been in their careers, he does embrace a pass-first mentality at the guard position that the Heat haven’t had since trading Kyle Lowry in January. 

This is something the Heat value, along with Smith’s defense.

In Sunday’s preseason win, Smith recorded a team-high seven deflections.

“Defensively, he’s tough,” Spoelstra said. “If there’s a ball going around, he’s going to find a way to be around it or deflect it or steal it.”

Again, these are not things that show up in the box score, but they are appreciated by Miami’s coaching staff. 

With Richardson still recovering from shoulder surgery, Smith could be used this season as Miami’s primary backup point guard. The Heat this preseason have mostly played their starters together, including Rozier and Herro. Spoelstra could opt to stagger their minutes so that one of his lead guards is on the floor at all times, but Smith could theoretically play alongside either one to help them focus on scoring.

Smith is one of three players on two-way contracts with the Heat, including Keshad Johnson and Josh Christopher. Some have wondered why the Heat continue to give Smith a shot when others, like younger point guard Isaiah Stevens, impressed during Las Vegas Summer League.

But the Heat have remained committed to Smith and intend to see their work through. At this point, it seems more likely that Smith will see regular-season minutes before being handed his walking papers.