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3 players from Heat Summer League team who could make regular-season roster

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 22: Javonte Smart #1 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a play against the Michigan Wolverines in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 22, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 22: Javonte Smart #1 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a play against the Michigan Wolverines in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 22, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Heat rumors, Javonte Smart
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 18: Javonte Smart #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the basketball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on December 18, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 119-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

1. Javonte Smart

Smart isn’t a nuclear athlete but he’s got great length to defend either guard spot. Like many players competing in Summer League, he’s a consistent jump shot away from really carving out a lengthy NBA career.

The 6-foot-4 guard played regular season games for both Toronto and Milwaukee last season before ending the campaign with the Heat. Like Mulder, he’s already on the team’s books as a two-way guy for this season which might prevent him the team’s front office from promoting him since they already control his rights.

Smart is, however, a good bet to play a lot of regular season games for the Heat. He’s a rugged, versatile defender who fits well into Spoelstra’s defensive scheme. The presence of elite shooters on the roster mitigates his weaknesses on offense. The key for Smart will be to learn how to create space by cutting at the pro level.

Next. Heat have clear interest in Mitchell trade. dark

Smart doesn’t project as anything more than a quality backup, but grabbing that kind of impact from a two-way player would be great business for the Heat. Don’t be surprised if he becomes the latest in a long line of underrated wings who find a way to carve out a quality role for Miami.

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