A strained calf sidelines Dru Smith for the entire preseason, forcing Erik Spoelstra to evaluate rookie depth as the Miami Heat scramble to solidify backcourt depth.
Unfortunate news came from the Miami Heat’s training camp at Florida Atlantic University, as veteran guard Dru Smith suffered a strained right calf and will be sidelined for “a couple of weeks.”
Head coach Erik Spoelstra believes it’s a “minor issue”; however, the timeline means the 28-year-old will miss the entire five-game preseason. Smith was projected as the Heat’s backup point guard behind Davion Mitchell. Despite not having been a full-time facilitator, he was looking to fulfill whatever was asked of him.
Smith has been prone to injuries over the last few years, including a right ACL (2023) and left Achilles (2024) tears. Despite all the personal adversity, the Heat kept him close through the rehabilitation process. This summer, Smith had a completely healthy offseason, which led to “a bigger workload.”
“Whether that’s coming in more than once a day, being able to be on the court a little bit more, actually play five-on-five,” he said at Media Day. “It’s all those things different things that I wasn’t able to do over the last two summers.”
The Heat guaranteed Smith’s $2.58 million salary for the upcoming 2026-27 season. He is still likely to stay on the main roster on Oct. 19’s deadline at 5:00 p.m. E.T. However, Smith’s setback could be an opportunity for Spoelstra to further evaluate the backup point guard position.
Second-round rookie Ryan Conwell can take on ball-handling responsibilities, but the former Louisville star was a shot-maker rather than a facilitator. He averaged 18.8 points on 40.8 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 34 games (all starts) with the Cardinals in the 2025-26 college basketball season.
Another viable option would be two-way rookie Tre Donaldson, who has facilitating experience. He played approximately 8.4 miles southwest of the Kaseya Center and with the Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables. Donaldson averaged 16.4 points on 45.4 percent, 3.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 35 games (33 starts).
The Heat still have a standard roster spot available and the 22-year-old has an opportunity to push for an early promotion. Training camp is scheduled to conclude on Friday, then it’s the preseason opener on Saturday in Toronto, Canada, against the Raptors. Usual starters and rotation players share the court for a small stint before sitting the rest of the game.
Smith will likely be cleared ahead of the start of the regular season, which the Heat open on Oct. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. An unfortunate setback creates an opportunity for others to step up. The Heat have been searcing the market for additional point guard depth. Smith's absence could lead to another free agent signing or relying on the talent from within.
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
