Dru Smith earned a full-time NBA spot with the Miami Heat after converting his two-way contract, but injuries interrupted his 2023-24 season and he was waived at the trade deadline. He’s back this season on a three-year veteran minimum, with the first year fully guaranteed, and optimism around his health as he targets a return to rotation minutes. Smith bridges guard depth with his 3-point shooting and on-ball defense, and his health will be the key to whether he can carve out a steady bench role behind the Heat’s guards.

The Heat field a guard group led by Tyler Herro and Norman Powell, with Terry Rozier and the recently drafted Kasparas Jakucionis in the bullpen behind them. Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware anchor the frontcourt, while reserve big men Kai Jones and Trey Lyles have showcased workout intrigue. The contract and depth picture signal that Miami values both health and shooting, banking on Smith to stay ready for a season that could hinge on minor-rotation opportunities and timely injuries.

From a fantasy lens, Smith is a contingent late-round pickup with 3-point potential and defensive value off the bench. His role depends on health and how quickly he can re-establish chemistry with the unit, especially if Rozier or Jakucionis miss time. If he remains healthy, Smith could provide efficient scoring in limited minutes and defend at a serviceable level, making him a sneaky DFS or late-season stashing option as the Heat balance rest and rotation.

Miami enters 2025-26 knowing every game carries weight after a 37-45 year and three straight play-in berths. The Heat’s schedule emphasizes momentous dates rather than mere formality, with home matchups against the Knicks and a season-opening tilt in Orlando setting a tone for a season of constant pressure and potential tanking windows. The NBA Cup adds a rare hardware angle in a title-longshot year, highlighted by Nov. 7 vs Charlotte to kick off the Miami Cup group play.

Key dates stand out for evaluating fantasy implications: Nov. 10-12 against Cleveland tests the team’s progress; Nov. 19 versus Golden State revisits last season’s playoff sting; Nov. 29 vs Detroit brings back Duncan Robinson in opposite colors; Dec. 19 at Boston could determine East seeding with Jayson Tatum limited by injury. The calendar also features a schedule drag: Heat at a -3 rest disadvantage and sparse two-day breaks, shaping rotation usage and rest planning for Spoelstra. Dwyane Wade’s statue and a Pat Riley tribute thread the season’s backdrop. Overseas moves intrigue as well, with Cole Swider’s exit and Chris Silva’s Greek chapter adding to a chapter of roster churn. Oct. 22 starts on the road in Orlando for the fifth straight season, continuing a franchise rhythm with a potentially telling opening tone against the Magic.

The Miami Heat's summer league experience was uniquely structured this year, focusing on a core group of five players while providing opportunities for others. Young talents like Kel'el Ware, Pelle Larsson, and Keshad Johnson shone throughout the competition, with Larsson averaging 18 points before heading to the Swedish national team. Ware's standout performances included a 21-point, 15-rebound game against the Boston Celtics, showcasing his potential. The coaching staff praised the players' ability to bond and play for each other amidst the competitive environment, which contributed to their overall success.

Among the notable performances, Goldin's double-double in his final game capped the summer league at 2-3 in Las Vegas. Other players like Bryson Warren and Dain Dainja also had moments of brilliance despite injuries and being undrafted, respectively. Kira Lewis Jr. provided veteran presence and efficiency during games, while Javonte Cook and Erik Stevenson proved to be consistent contributors, with Stevenson averaging over 10 points in his appearances. The Heat's ability to integrate these players bodes well for their future roster decisions.

The Miami Heat's offseason has been relatively quiet amidst the NBA's frenzied player movements, yet the changes made will impact coach Erik Spoelstra's strategy moving forward.

In, the Heat welcomed Norman Powell, Simone Fontecchio, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Vlad Goldin, while seeing departures such as Duncan Robinson, Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and others. The lineup is expected to feature Kel'el Ware at center and Bam Adebayo at power forward, with a potential shift towards more shooting and playmaking by bringing Nikola Jovic into the starting five.

Powell's return to a sixth-man role could add depth to Miami’s bench, bolstering their scoring potential. The Heat may also explore various combinations, including potential starters like Davion Mitchell or even youth options like Jaime Jaquez Jr., as Spoelstra prepares for a more versatile rotation.

The Miami Heat's Kasparas Jakucionis had a challenging outing at the NBA Summer League, stepping into a lead role as the team faced the Detroit Pistons. With key players absent, Jakucionis struggled, finishing with 15 points on 4-of-12 shooting, alongside five rebounds and five turnovers in a 108-88 defeat.

Jakucionis, who was the 20th overall pick, showed flashes of potential but has yet to find consistency. His performance in summer league has been marked by shooting struggles, with only one standout game thus far. The Heat will be looking for more from him if he hopes to secure a spot in the upcoming season's rotation.