Tue Dec 24 20:20:00 UTC 2024: **Heat Guard Dru Smith’s Season Ends with Torn Achilles Tendon**
MIAMI, FL – Miami Heat guard Dru Smith’s season has come to a premature end due to a torn left Achilles tendon, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. The injury, sustained during Monday’s game, is a devastating blow for Smith, who only recently returned from a torn right ACL suffered last November.
Smith, who signed a two-way contract with the Heat in July, had impressed the coaching staff with his defensive prowess and recently solidified a spot in the team’s rotation. In his eight games before the injury, he averaged 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and an impressive 2.3 steals per game. His strong performance had many speculating that he was on the verge of a promotion to a standard NBA contract.
The injury leaves the Heat with a roster spot to fill before the December 29th deadline. They have several options, including promoting one of their other two-way players (Keshad Johnson or Josh Christopher), calling up a player from their G League affiliate, or signing a veteran free agent. Given the proximity to the January 7th salary guarantee date, the Heat could opt for a short-term, non-guaranteed contract.
The team will not be eligible for a disabled player exception because Smith was on a two-way contract. This latest injury marks a cruel twist of fate for the young guard, who has shown tremendous resilience throughout his career but now faces a long road to recovery.
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