Miami Heat guard Dru Smith suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury in the team’s victory over the Brooklyn Nets. With Smith sidelined, the Heat might need to explore adding depth at point guard to bolster their backcourt. While Tyler Herro is already shouldering a significant offensive load and Terry Rozier is struggling this season, the Heat could turn to free agency or trade to address their needs.
The Heat have reportedly signed rookie forward Keshad Johnson to a two-year contract, per the Miami Herald, and promoted Isaiah Stevens to Johnson’s vacated two-way spot. Smith will remain on his two-way deal for now. However, if Miami decides they need additional guard depth, here are three free agents who could help:
Markelle Fultz
Markelle Fultz stands out as one of the most talented free agents available. Over five seasons with the Orlando Magic, he averaged 11.6 points and 4.8 assists per game, showing growth as a playmaker and defender. However, his career has been hampered by health issues.
Fultz is ready to contribute at the NBA level if he can stay healthy, offering the Heat a much-needed playmaking presence. But his shooting remains a concern—he has shot just 27% from beyond the arc in his seven-year career. While Miami’s offense has been strong recently, the Heat may hesitate to add a guard with both shooting and injury concerns, even if Fultz’s skill set aligns with their needs.
John Wall
John Wall is another high-upside option with injury concerns. The five-time All-Star hasn’t played since the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 11.4 points and 5.2 assists in 34 games with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Wall has expressed his desire to finish his NBA career on his own terms, saying:
“I want to finish it the way I want. If I play my last game, I want to walk off the court my way.”
Living in Miami, Wall could feel at home playing for the Heat. On the court, he would bring a faster pace to one of the league’s slowest offenses. Known for his speed during his prime, Wall could offer a unique dynamic to Miami’s system, making him an intriguing option.
Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. recently appeared on The OGs Show with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, where he expressed confidence in his ability to fit on teams like the Heat.
Although Smith’s production has declined since his standout rookie season, he remains a capable scorer and defensive player. At 27 years old, Smith still has potential on both ends of the floor. His athleticism and effort align with Miami’s culture, but like Fultz, his shooting struggles could be a concern.
While Smith might not be Miami’s first choice, he could still be a viable option if the team prioritizes energy, defense, and shot creation over shooting consistency.
These three guards each present unique strengths and challenges. As the Heat evaluate their needs, they’ll need to weigh each option carefully to remain competitive in a tough Eastern Conference.
