MAJOR Miami Heat News You NEED To See!
We have some big time Miami Heat news that we need to discuss on this edition of the Heat Report. I am your host Nick Rolloloff and it revolves around that final two-way spot because we have a major update on Drew Smith that I just have to share with the Heat fans. And then I will also pose the question on if Miami should sign a different player to the final two-way slot Miami has open. But the reason why we’re making this video is because it was recently revealed that Drew Smith, who is widely expected to return to Miami on the final two-way, can’t actually sign a two-way contract with the Miami Heat. It was uncovered by the Miami Heralds Anthony Chiang. Excellent reporting from him. So, shout out to Anthony. But he reported in a recent article that Drew Smith is eligible to sign a two-way contract with any other team in the league because he has fewer than four years of NBA experience. But he’s not eligible to sign another two-way deal with the Heat because he has already been on a two-way contract with Miami during three different salary cap years. And this is just absolutely massive for Heat fans and everybody that is interested around this basketball team because everyone, including myself, expected Drew Smith to be one of these players on a two-way contract with the Miami Heat. Well, now that it is official that he can’t return to Miami unless he gets a standard NBA contract, that begs the question, what is Miami going to do with that final two-way contract? number one. And number two, should they give Drew Smith Drew Smith a standard deal to bring him back? We’ll discuss everything about this, but I want to get your thoughts on the matter real quickly. Now that you know that Drew Smith could only return on a two-way or excuse me, a standard deal. Would you bring him back on that standard contract? Type Y for yes or type N for no? Drew Smith has been a polarizing player from Miami. Three years ago, he was really, really bad. Two years ago, he was really, really bad. But last year, he finally turned the corner and he made Heat fans realize what the Heat front office actually saw in Drew Smith for continuing to give him opportunities on this organization and in this roster cuz he shot above 50% from three. He averaged one and a half steals a night and he played about 15 minutes a night as well off of the bench and actually stole a lot of Terara Rosier’s minutes in October and November and that was before Rosier was officially written off this Heat roster. But his stats that we’re showing on screen doesn’t even show the full value that he gives you on a nightly basis. His value in his is in his defense and he shocked me. We always knew he was an average to an above average defender, but in those 14 games he played last year, he wasn’t an average or above average. He was freaking elite. You look at his advanced defensive stats on crafted NBA, he was in the hundth percentile on deflections, 100th, which means he was with the best of the best. And there wasn’t anyone better with his numbers. And in his adjusted defensive turnovers forced, he was also in the 100th percentile. And in the 80th percentile for rim defense as a guard and 84th percentile on the crafted defensive plus minus. Point is he was elite a top defender. And if you had him do this type of stuff and the stuff that we saw consistently over 65 70 games, there would have been a legit chance he could have been an allNBA level defender. That is the way he was playing in that short sample size in October and November. And we made a video about a final two-way spot last week on the channel and I mentioned how I would be intrigued by signing Eric Stevenson. I labeled Drew Smith as someone I would absolutely want to bring back on a two-way deal. But the equation changes with a standard contract because Miami is $1.4 million over the luxury tax. I want Miami to get underneath that and avoid the repeaters tax. Well, if you sign Drew Smith to a standard deal, it’s not going to put you into the first apron, but it does put you about one or $2.93 million over the luxury tax. So, it makes it a little bit more difficult end of the season. Also, I think Miami would be very well benefited to add a big man behind Bam and KL Wear as opposed to another guard with a standard deal. Nicole Yoic is the only guy that you have backing up wear and Bam right now. And to me, that is just not acceptable because Yovic is a four, maybe even a three. He’s not a five. And I don’t want Bam to consistently be playing the five either. So, I do want a true backup big. Well, we’re going to continue the conversation here, but make sure you are subscribed to the channel for daily coverage of the Miami Heat. Whether it’s news, rumors, two ways, we got you covered. So, subscribe right now. Well, I want to take a look visually at where the Heat’s two-way contracts stay right now. And originally, I had Golden, Drew Smith, and then an open spot. Well, Vlad Golden, the UDFA Miami signed from Michigan after the draft. He is on that two-way deal still, but they signed Myron Gardner, a player that was on the summer league squad this past month, to a two-way contract about a week ago. Well, they still have a spot open. And now that Drew Smith cannot be that final spot, we have to ask ourselves who will ultimately get the final two-way contract for Miami because that is a pretty valuable spot. You can play in about half the games in the NBA season. So, it’s not like a two-way player will not play any real minutes. No, throughout the course of the season, they likely will play real minutes for the Heat just due to injuries and needs at certain points in the year. And I put this on Twitter, which is another reason why you need to follow me, by the way. But the person I need the Miami Heat to sign to a two-way contract since they can’t bring back Drew Smith is Ricky Council I. I need him on a two-way contract more than I need. I’ve been a fan of Ricky Council for a very long time going back to his days at Arkansas and when he was coming out of the NBA draft in 2023. I actually had a draftable grade on him before he went undrafted, which we’ll go more in depth on Ricky Council here in just a second. But before we do that, I did want to share this unbelievable deal going on right now. When you go to chatsports.com/culturale, this unbelievable Heatculture hoodie, 50% off, usually $70, you can get it right now for 35 when you go to chatsports.com/culture sale. Links in description and comments of today’s video. Sizes are running out and I’m not sure how long this sale will continue to be there, so don’t waste any more time. Grab it now. If you are unfamiliar with Ricky Council IVth, well, let me teach you a little bit more on him. He started his college career at Witchah State before transferring to the SEC at Arkansas. And before he transferred to the Razerbacks, he actually entered the NBA draft in 2022, but then decided to withdraw and return after getting some feedback from NBA scouts. Well, while he was in the SEC playing at Arkansas, he averaged 16.1 points per game, 3.6 six rebounds, shot 45% from the field, and was on the second team all SEC. And due to his athleticism and continuing development, I thought he was going to get drafted, but he ultimately was an undrafted free agent in that 2023 NBA draft and signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and then got a standard contract for this past season after he played pretty well on that two-way deal. One of the reasons why I liked Ricky Council is because of his size. He’s 66 208. So he’s built with a solid 69 wingspan. And when you watch him play, you would think his wingspan is actually longer than it is because he’s just so disruptive on the defensive end of the floor. And when he shoots, he just feels like his arms get so extended. So the 69 wingspan, that’s what it’s listed at. Wouldn’t be surprised if it is higher. Um, obviously I doubt it is because that’s what his measurements were at the combine, but it feels like he is longer the way he’s able to disrupt players when he’s playing on the defensive end of the floor. And Council had a very good start to his NBA career on that two-way deal with Philadelphia. He appeared in 32 games and averaged five points while shooting an incredible efficient mark from the field, 48.2% and 37.5% from beyond the arc. But this past year on a standard contract, he simply was not able to be as consistent with Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxi, Jared McCain all being out for most of the year. His efficiency took a massive dip to 38.2% from the deck and 25.8% from the three-point arc, which obviously is simply just not acceptable for an NBA rotation player. But there is still a lot to like on Ricky Council in my opinion because he is athletic. He can defend. I think he is a good connective defensive piece and if you’re able to get him to a spot where he can be an average three-point shooter, I think he could find minutes in the NBA because of his size and defensive prowess. And I was a fan of Ricky Council and the first year I started scouting the NBA draft ranking, playing a big board, having scouting reports. This was my write up on Council I said that he possesses a strong mid-range game and it sets up his slashing play style. elite athlete that helps him finish above the rim and through contact. A good on ball defender and his wingspan helps him deflect passes and create adversity for the person he is defending. But he does struggle from deep and to shoot off of the catch. And it seems like those struggles have continued in the NBA. But you never know with the Heat’s developmental staff. They have got a great system in place that we’ve seen develop shooters. Maybe they can get a little bit more out of Ricky Council the fourth. I had him ranked as my 48th overalls prospect in the 2023 NBA draft. One spot behind Jaylen Wilson, who got drafted by the Brooklyn Nets and one spot ahead of Ammani Bates, who was drafted as well in the second round. So, I thought he should have been drafted. He ultimately was not, but he made the most of his first year in the NBA with the Sixers, leveraged that into a standard deal, struggled a little bit, and got waved a couple weeks ago. If he is not getting a standard deal from another NBA team and is forced to take a two-way spot, I think Miami would be an excellent landing spot for him personally. But I also think Miami would benefit in a pretty good way with council getting another defensive wing in your system. As we know, Fonteo, Haywood, Highmith, both expiring contracts. Maybe he can develop this year and then get a standard deal in 2026. So, let me hear it before we round out the show. Do you want to sign Ricky Council to that final two-way spot Miami has open? Type S for sign, type P for pass. Let me know your thoughts down in the comments. I think it’s a high upside swing. He has NBA experience. He has a lot of good things going for him with his athleticism, his defense, his finishing, and I think Miami, if you’re able to get him in your system, can get the best out of him in terms of his shooting. maybe fix his mechanics to see what’s a little bit off there. And if you’re able to get him up to a 34 or 35% three-point shooter on one, two attempts a night, well, that’s a very impactful piece that you could have on your bench as your ninth, 10th, 11th man, not this year, but years in the future. So, if Miami is looking to take a little bit more of a high upside swing, I think Ricky Council is the best player available right now in a two-way deal. I could also see Miami looking to add another big to their system because that is something Miami needs. They don’t have a lot of depth in the front court. Well, if you want more on the Heat, like I mentioned, follow me over on Twitter. I said I tweeted about Ricky Council the other day, which is actually the case. And if Miami signs a player to a two-way deal, I’ll have the news on my Twitter first before we come on the channel and make a video about it. So, subscribe and follow me over on Twitter.
Miami Heat news headlines this edition of Heat Report by Chat Sports as Pat Riley and the Miami Heat still have roster spots to fill before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. One of the biggest names that the Heat have been linked to is Dru Smith, who has been on multiple two-way deals in the past, but now if the Heat want to bring back Smith they would have to offer him an NBA contract. Since Smith can’t return on a two-way, and Miami has an open spot, who should Pat Riley sign to the Heat roster? Heat Report host Nic Rohloff is here to breakdown all of the latest news surrounding the Miami Heat and their free agent targets as well as give his take on who he wants the Heat to sign to fill out their depth chart.
HEAT FANS! Have thoughts on today’s show? Well let it be known down in the comments section:
– Do you want to bring back Dru Smith? Type ‘Y’ for Yes or ‘N’ for No
– Do you want to sign Ricky Council? Type ‘S’ for Sign or ‘P’ for Pass
Miami Heat hoodie on SALE for 50% off! Usually $70, no $35: https://www.chatsports.com/CULTURESALE.
Anthony Chiang On Dru Smith:
“Smith is eligible to sign a two-way contract with any other team in the league because he has fewer than four years of NBA experience, he’s not eligible to sign another two-way deal with the Heat because he has already been on a two-way contract with Miami during three different salary cap years.”
Miami Heat Highlights are fun to watch but do you learn anything? Watch these Heat Report videos to sharpen your Heat analysis:
– WILD Miami Heat Trade Idea From NBA Insider! Terry Rozier For Malik Monk? Miami Heat Rumors – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-t_z-v9PhU
– Miami Heat Gets MORE Evidence Of A Good NBA Offseason From ESPN – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1n57qjO9ws
– Miami Heat Trade Rumors: Trade Terry Rozier For Devin Carter? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpxf48eYJX0
Want more Miami Heat news, and Heat rumors? There’s more content posted over on our Miami Heat website: https://www.chatsports.com/miami-heat/
Dru Smith’s advanced defensive stats:
– Deflections: 6.2 (100th percentile)
– raDTOV: 1.3 (100th percentile)
– Rim Defense: -7.5 (88th percentile)
– CraftedDPM: 1.3 (84th percentile)
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Get to know Ricky Council IV:
– Started at Wichita State before transferring to Arkansas
– Second-team All-SEC for Arkansas. Averaged 16.1 PPG & 3.6 RPG.
– UDFA in 2023
Miami Heat 2024-25 stat leaders:
PPG: Tyler Herro (23.9)
RPG: Bam Adebayo (9.6)
APG: Tyler Herro (5.5)
STL: Bam Adebayo (1.3)
BLK: Kel’el Ware (1.1)
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#Heat #HeatNews #DruSmith #CSFAN2025 #ad #CSB
26 Comments
Do you want to bring back Dru Smith? Type ‘Y’ for Yes or ‘N’ for No
First
Miami Heat hoodie on SALE for 50% off! Usually $70, no $35: https://www.chatsports.com/CULTURESALE.
Do you want to sign Ricky Council? Type ‘S’ for Sign or ‘P’ for Pass
Miami Heat Highlights are fun to watch but do you learn anything? Watch these Heat Report videos to sharpen your Heat analysis:
– WILD Miami Heat Trade Idea From NBA Insider! Terry Rozier For Malik Monk? Miami Heat Rumors – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-t_z-v9PhU
– Miami Heat Gets MORE Evidence Of A Good NBA Offseason From ESPN – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1n57qjO9ws
– Miami Heat Trade Rumors: Trade Terry Rozier For Devin Carter? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpxf48eYJX0
Hey 👋 rolly
Want more Miami Heat news, and Heat rumors? There's more content posted over on our Miami Heat website: https://www.chatsports.com/miami-heat/
Love the Miami Heat? Hit that LIKE BUTTON!
Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo are counting on YOU to share this episode of the Heat Report!
Never miss a new Heat Report video by having your notifications turned on! 🔔
Rolly is talking Miami Heat basketball EVERY DAY on Twitter/X! Give him a follow today: https://twitter.com/nic_rohloff
Visit our main YouTube channel for more NBA, NFL, CFB videos and more! http://www.youtube.com/@chatsports?sub_confirmation=1
The NBA Offseason is underway! Subscribe to not miss a thing: https://www.youtube.com/@heatreport?sub_confirmation=1
N…..
No council either. We need a big. We have a million guards. We’re waisting roster spots. None of these moves happen. Bet
Heat should sign whiteside and trade for Derozan
Y
Ugg hard to say because the sample size is so small. If it has to be a standard and we need to move someone else it might not be a good idea.
Waive Keshad, sign either Burks or Smith.
He is coming off a major injury with 6 points a game. Average players are a dime a dozen.
need new ownership, arisons suck
Sorry Rolly but Ricky Council 👎. I’d rather they sign Danja & have Vlad & Danja and pray one of them gets decent enough for backup big minutes long term
I can't deny he was highly functional last year… when he was functional. But I'd say DON'T sign Smith, if available, until Rozier getting off the roster opens up an extra spot… and, sign VG to the reg roster, before or during camp.
S
Rolly show some clips next time so people can see the impact Dru has
No! We have enough 6'6 guys already