Is Miami Heat's Ryan Conwell A Rookie Breakout Candidate?

The Miami Heat had a big offseason, adding Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, as part of that trade, the Heat parted with four players and also lost All-Star guard Norman Powell to the Chicago Bulls in free agency. Despite making the franchise-swinging move to acquire Antetokounmpo, there have been concerns about the team's lack of depth, even with additions such as Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bobby Portis.

One player who made some noise this offseason is Ryan Conwell, the Heat's recent second-round draft pick. The guard generated a ton of buzz throughout workouts and camps before taking it a step further with a strong preseason run, scoring north of 20 points in two games. Conwell was originally selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 37 but was immediately traded to Miami for No. 41 and cash considerations, proving the Heat really like him as a player.

Conwell was a winner throughout his collegiate career with four different programs, earning multiple accolades such as being named to the second-team All-MVC team in 2024, the third-team All-Big East team in 2025 and rounding out his college career with a second-team All-ACC nod this past season. Now, he hopes to translate that success to the professional level as he joins a roster undergoing a massive change in personnel. Almost half of the Heat's roster features brand-new faces and the backcourt depth was initially a concern. However, the veteran additions, specifically at the shooting guard position, could force Conwell to develop at the G-League level before making an impact with the NBA standard roster as the season progresses.

It's not entirely crazy to consider whether Conwell could become a member of an All-Rookie team by the end of the season. His preseason performances have seemingly proven he's NBA-ready and with the Heat dealing away several young players in the blockbuster Antetokounmpo deal, there could eventually be an opportunity for him to earn a sizable role.

However, with the influx of talent Miami now has locked into standard roster spots, it seems there is a chance Conwell may begin his NBA career with the Sioux Falls Skyforce before becoming a regular contributor at the NBA level. Even if he doesn't make an immediate impact, Conwell could be a solid player for this rotation in the future. Either way, Miami may have hit a home run with the team's lone draft pick this season.