Dru Smith secured a new contract with the Miami Heat over the weekend, and the immediate challenge ahead is getting cleared for unrestricted participation when training camp opens September 30.
The 27-year-old guard is coming back from an Achilles tear that ended his season in December. He said he’s been involved in some contact work and hopes to be cleared for five-on-five scrimmaging in the near future. “Honestly, it’s all been going really well,” Smith said. “I feel like I’ve been on a great trajectory as far as the rehab stuff goes. I’ve started to do some contact stuff now. I haven’t jumped fully back into five on five. I would say probably here in the next few weeks or so. I think it’s all just basically going to be how I respond to the more and more live sessions that I get in. I think the goal, obviously, is to be ready by camp. And I think that as of right now, with no setback, that’s kind of what we’re looking at.”
Before the injury, Smith had established himself as a key part of Miami’s rotation and was on the verge of moving from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract. Last season, he averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 14 games, and Erik Spoelstra frequently trusted him in closing lineups.
The Heat kept Smith on the roster after the injury, even though replacing him with a healthy player wouldn’t have impacted the salary cap. He remained a restricted free agent after Miami extended a qualifying offer in late June and continued to work out with the team through the summer. A roster opening emerged last Friday when Haywood Highsmith was traded to Brooklyn.
“It was obviously a little stressful and things like that,” Smith said. “I think any time, whenever you have nothing signed and nothing set in stone, I think it’s just a little worrisome. But overall I think we love this organization and we’re just excited to be able to be back and be a part of this.”
Smith’s affiliation with the Heat goes back to 2021, when he signed a training camp contract. He earned his first two-way deal the following year and has spent parts of every season with Miami despite injury setbacks and other obstacles. He has been waived four times but has continually been brought back.
“The biggest challenge from rehab was the mental part of it,” he said. “Just really leaning on my faith and understanding for whatever reason, this is where my story was supposed to go. So just continuing to attack with a positive attitude. There are days it feels like rehab has dragged on for two years.”
With offseason moves leaving the Heat with a crowded backcourt, Smith is eager to seize the opportunity and prove he belongs as a full-time NBA guard once he’s fully cleared.
What to watch
– Timeline for five-on-five clearance and camp readiness
– How Smith fits into the Heat’s backcourt rotation as other guards return or compete
– His performance in camp and preseason scrimmages
Outlook: On a hopeful path, Smith aims to translate his perseverance and readiness into a stable role with the Heat and help push the team deeper into the playoffs.
Additional context for readers
– Smith’s early career with the Heat shows a track record of perseverance through injuries, which could make him a valuable depth piece if he stays healthy.
– His progress at camp could impact how the Heat use their guards this season, especially in crunch time and closing lineups.