Miami Warmth reserve guard Dru Smith suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon throughout Monday’s 110-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets, sources knowledgeable ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday.
Miami Warmth backup guard Dru Smith has an intensive historical past of knee accidents throughout his three-year profession
As Smith dribbled close to the 3-point arc throughout a possession early within the second quarter, he misplaced the ball on a turnover and instantly fell to the courtroom wincing in ache. Smith was escorted off the courtroom to the locker room.
This harm comes shortly after the two-way guard made an unbelievable restoration from a torn ACL simply over a yr in the past. His 2021-22 season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miami’s G League affiliate, additionally ended early as a consequence of a knee harm.
“Now we have unbelievable deep respect for his journey and what he has to beat,” Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned after Monday’s recreation. “I’ve been within the constructing all these occasions final yr when no person else was right here and he was doing all of the in depth remedy and rehab around the clock. He has unbelievable fortitude. You find yourself completely rooting for guys like Dru.”
Miami Warmth guard Dru Smith has suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, sources instructed ESPN. Completely devastating after the two-way guard made an amazing restoration from a torn ACL simply over a yr in the past to the Warmth’s rotation now and was on cusp of a regular NBA contract. pic.twitter.com/gD7gtWG14b
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 24, 2024
Smith, who turns 27 on Monday, was averaging profession highs of 6.3 factors, 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 19.1 minutes per recreation by way of 14 contests (one begin) this season.
In Miami’s 121-114 loss to the Orlando Magic on Dec. 21, he recorded a season-high 14 factors on 4-of-8 (50%) taking pictures from the ground, 2-of-4 (50%) from 3-point vary, and 4-of-5 (80%) on the foul line.
Miami may signal free agent guard Dennis Smith Jr.
Though Smith was enjoying properly this season, it’s unlikely the Miami Warmth will provide him a regular deal due to the staff’s place towards the luxurious tax. The Missouri product has been waived and re-signed by the Warmth 4 occasions in his three-year profession.
One potential roster transfer for Miami can be signing free agent guard Dennis Smith Jr.
“I be considering the Spurs, Minnesota, and Miami clearly, and I say them three I may are available and have essentially the most influence,” Smith Jr. mentioned on “The OGs” YouTube podcast with retired Warmth legends Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller.
“Not even on all of the work I’ve been placing in all summer time, but when we went simply off what I used to be doing final yr, I believe I may are available and make an actual contribution, or the Lakers too.”
Terry Rozier was sidelined Monday with knee ache as properly, however he may show to be an asset for the Warmth if he turns into a extra constant scorer. Spoelstra may additionally flip to Isaiah Stevens, who was known as up on a two-way deal from the Skyforce.
In associated information, the Warmth are changing ahead Keshad Johnson’s two-way deal into a regular two-year NBA contract, sources instructed Charania. Johnson has spent the season as a standout participant for Sioux Falls, averaging 21.2 factors and eight.3 rebounds per recreation.
