From draft busts seeking redemption to undrafted prospects flashing triple-double potential, which three under-the-radar additions are battling to survive training camp cuts in Miami?
The Miami Heat's prolific offseason is now basically complete as training camp is set to begin this week. The Heat obviously added a bunch of big-name veterans to this new-look roster such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson along with a few others. While those veteran moves have been more publicized this offseason, and rightfully so, there have been some under-the-radar, low-stakes deals the Heat have made for the back end of the rotation. Over the last couple of weeks, Miami has brought in a different mix of players. Some are veterans looking for another chance while others are prospects who Miami is testing out in the preseason to see if they earn a roster spot. With that out of the way, here are three players fighting for a roster spot in the back-half of the rotation:
1. Dennis Smith Jr.
He is the most recent signing, agreeing to an Exhibit 10 deal with Miami on Sunday. He's had an up-and-down career after being selected as a top 10 draft pick in 2017 but has bounced around multiple teams over the past few seasons as a backup point guard. The point guard position in Miami, starting-wise, is basically set with Davion Mitchell taking the reigns again this season but there is a void at the backup spot. Could Smith re-emerge as a legitimate option or will Miami roll with Dru Smith, a familiar face over the last few seasons, as the backup option? Ryan Conwell, the Heat's second-round pick, is a name to consider as well.
2. Nick Richards
Richards signed a non-guaranteed veteran minimum contract with the Heat in August. Over the years, he has been one of those players who many expected to take a leap but never did. With that said, he has been a solid rebounder off the bench for his entire career. The non-guaranteed aspect of his signing is not enthusiastic for his odds as being the backup center, especially when the Heat also brought in Portis in the blockbuster deal with Milwaukee earlier this summer. However, Richards has plenty of experience and could show enough in training camp to earn the role.
3. Bez Mbeng
A recent addition, Mbeng was claimed off waivers last week after being waived by the Utah Jazz. He was a solid collegiate player but went undrafted last year. However, the Jazz signed him to a 10-day contract and he made the most of it, even posting an impressive 27-point triple-double in April. He is quite young and has shown some promise at the NBA level with his performance late last season but the Heat have a plethora of wing options at the moment. Thompson, Pelle Larsson and Hardaway Jr. are all shooting guards who will get minutes above him.
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