For the reason that Miami Warmth misplaced Gabe Vincent to free company within the 2023 offseason, they haven’t discovered a long-term choice to fill their backup level guard position.
The Warmth tried to fill that position with Dru Smith final 12 months. In 9 video games, Smith averaged 5.3 factors, 2.7 assists, one rebound and 0.7 turnovers on 50 % taking pictures from the sector and 66.7 % from three-point vary. He was strong in his position and helped the Warmth to a 7-2 begin of their first 9 video games earlier than a season-ending harm.
Though not the standard level guard, coach Erik Spoelstra has positioned Josh Richardson within the major ball-handler place in second-unit lineups. As a result of it was not his pure place, Richardson didn’t management the tempo of the offense or the sport in addition to a standard level guard. He averaged 9.3 factors, 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.8 turnovers on 43.4 % taking pictures from the sector and 35.4 % from three-point vary. His season was additionally lower quick by a dislocated shoulder, so he solely performed 43 video games.
The Warmth signed undrafted rookie Isaiah Stevens to an Exhibit 10 contract after an excellent summer time league. Stevens averaged 8.8 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists and a pair of.7 turnovers on 59.4 % taking pictures from the sector and 63.6 % from three-point vary. He completed fourth amongst all summer time league gamers in assists per recreation and helped the Warmth’s summer time league crew win the championship. If he performs effectively, the Warmth can convert his contract so he could make the roster.
Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Warmth On SI. He might be reached at [email protected] or on X @bryantownesjr11. Observe our protection on Fb.
