Patrick Beverley questions the Miami Heat's backcourt stability, sparking a debate on whether Erik Spoelstra’s developmental gems and potential veteran additions can fuel another deep championship run.
MIAMI, Fla. – Although the Miami Heat have the star power to compete for a championship in this upcoming 2026-27 season, 12-year league veteran Patrick Beverly believes the team is missing “one or two pieces.”
“They need a point guard,” he said on the Thananalysis Show, a podcast hosted by Thanasis Antetokounmpo. “I like Davion Mitchell as a starting point guard, but behind him, they need a veteran point guard.”
In today’s league, a natural point guard isn’t as valued as it once was. As long as someone can handle the ball and run plays, it usually fits the bill. Mitchell has grown into a point guard role. Last season, he averaged 9.3 points on 49 percent shooting, 2.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists (a new career high), and a steal in 70 games (all starts).
Mitchell had a 4.3 assist-to-turnover ratio, among the league’s leaders. He’s looking to take another step in production this upcoming season. However, what about the depth chart behind Mitchell?
Dru Smith is projected as the Heat’s backup point guard. Last season was the 28-year-old’s first full experience in the league. Smith averaged 5.6 points on 41.5 percent shooting, 2.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and led the team with 1.4 steals in 70 games (one start). Although he’s not a natural point guard, the former undrafted prospect looks to get others involved offensively.
Tre Donaldson is the third-stringer, behind Smith. After going undrafted this year, he signed a two-way contract with the organization. Donaldson played his final collegiate season in the Heat’s backyard, in Coral Gables, with the Miami Hurricanes. He averaged 16.4 points on 45.4 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 35 games (33 starts).
Despite not having the most attractive point guard depth, Erik Spoelstra is arguably the best head coach in the league at maximizing players’ talents. Plus, the Heat still have one standard roster spot available and Victor Oladipo was granted access to the practice facility at the Kaseya Center.
Additional depth could be on the way. Oladipo is a combo guard: facilitator and scorer. Although the 34-year-old hadn’t played in an NBA game since 2023, the two-time All-Star is eyeing a comeback. Oladipo could give the Heat an additional star punch in a reserve role.
Given recent history, Spoelstra doesn’t need explosive point guard depth to find success. In the 2023 playoffs, he split minutes with Gabe Vincent as a starter and a 36-year-old Kyle Lowry coming off the bench. The Heat went on to reach the NBA Finals. The current point guard depth should be fine, unless proven otherwise.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
