The Miami Heat are pinning their hopes on another undrafted rookie at backup point guard

Since the Miami Heat lost Gabe Vincent to free agency in the 2023 offseason, they have not found a long-term option to fill her role as backup point guard.

The Heat tried to address that role with Dru Smith last year. In nine games, Smith averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 assists, one rebound and 0.7 turnovers on 50 percent shooting from the field and 66.7 percent from three-point range. He was solid in his role, helping the Heat to a 7-2 start through the first nine games before suffering a season-ending injury.

Although he wasn’t the typical point guard, coach Erik Spoelstra made Josh Richardson the primary ball-handler in second-unit lineups. Because this wasn’t his natural position, Richardson couldn’t control the tempo of the offense or the flow of the game as well as a traditional point guard. He averaged 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.8 turnovers on 43.4 percent shooting from the field and 35.4 percent from three-point range. His season was also cut short by a dislocated shoulder, meaning he only played 43 games.

After a very good summer league, the Heat signed undrafted rookie Isaiah Stevens to an Exhibit 10 contract. Stevens averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 2.7 turnovers on 59.4 percent shooting from the field and 63.6 percent from three-point range. He ranked fourth among all Summer League players in assists per game and helped the Heat’s Summer League team win the championship. If he performs well, the Heat can convert his contract so he can be added to the roster.

Bryan Townes contributes to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at [email protected] or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our reporting on Facebook.