"Tyler Herro is not someone the Miami Heat can begin to replace with the current roster, but his absence while recovering from left ankle surgery opens the door for others to leave their mark. It took all of one game for Dru Smith to leave his. Despite logging just over 10 minutes in Miami's preseason opener, the 27-year-old delivered an impact worthy of a full-length performance. He finished with seven points on 3-of-5 shooting and two blocks, while playing his usual amount of ultra-pesky defense."
"The performance itself shouldn't technically be a seismic event. Smith is known as a gnatty defender, and quality secondary ball-handler. The shock-and-awe factor goes kaboom once you remember he played in an NBA basketball game on October 4 despite suffering an Achilles tear on Dec. 24...less than 10 months ago. Even if you understand how much the Heat value Smith, merely being on the court so soon after yet another major injury is a feat unto itself."
Tyler Herro's left ankle surgery and Terry Rozier's hamstring issue create opportunities for perimeter experimentation in Miami's rotation through November. Dru Smith returned from a Dec. 24 Achilles tear to play just over 10 preseason minutes, scoring seven points on 3-of-5 shooting, adding two blocks, and providing tenacious defense. Smith's strengths as a secondary ball-handler and on-ball pest suit Erik Spoelstra's preference for faster, more spaced lineups. Smith's movement, defensive versatility, and ability to operate off live dribbles increase his chances of cracking the regular rotation while the Heat evaluate backcourt options.
Read at All U Can Heat
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