Despite a foul-heavy performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, Vladislav Goldin’s defensive flashes offer hope as the Miami Heat scrambles to secure a reliable rim protector to solidify a championship-contending rotation.
MIAMI, Fla. – Although the games don’t entirely matter, the Miami Heat blew a 14-point lead to the Los Angeles Lakers in the California Classic Summer League on Sunday night. It wasn’t the best shooting night for most of the team, but Vladislav Goldin didn’t quite command the paint.
The Russian center finished with six points on 33.3 percent shooting, six rebounds, and four blocks in 25 minutes. In Summer League, it takes 10 personal fouls for a player to be disqualified – Goldin had nine. Despite the highlighted blocks, he might have a long way to go before earning a standard roster spot.
Following the loss, Heat Summer League coach Wayne Ellington had an encouraging message about the young center:
“We want him as close to the paint as possible on every defensive possession,” he said. “[Goldin] is continuing to get better and better at it. Obviously, we have to continue to work with him. Develop on doing it with discipline. He did show flashes.”
As currently constructed – pending the finalization of trades and signings – the Heat don’t have a true backup center on the roster. The Summer League was an opportunity for Goldin to earn a big promotion within the organization. However, he hasn’t proven to be ready to face elite competition.
The Heat could utilize Bobby Portis in backup center minutes. Although the 11-year veteran is undersized – listed at 6-9 – he’s taken up the challenge before. Nikola Jovic is another option, but the 6-10, 23-year-old has struggled filling in that role in the past.
In free agency, there are a few notable candidates available on the open market:
- Nick Richards
- Jalen Duren (Restricted)
- Kevon Looney
- Kevin Love
- Bismack Biyombo
- Drew Eubanks
- Xavier Tillman
Goldin found success in the G-League last season. He averaged 11.3 points on 60.5 percent shooting, seven rebounds, two blocks, and 1.5 assists in 24 games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Goldin didn’t attempt many shots from behind the arc, but shot 30.4 percent on the season.
The lack of a true backup center has hurt the Heat’s championship hopes before, most notably throughout Jimmy Butler’s six-year tenure. If Goldin can’t be the immediate answer for a championship-contending team, the center depth needs to be addressed.
Goldin is eligible to re-sign on a two-way contract, plus sign a standard deal anywhere else in the league. He will have a chance to bounce back tonight against the Golden State Warriors – the final game of the California Classic before traveling to Las Vegas – at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
