Dru Smith Rumors

Ira Winderman: Davion Mitchell now listed as doubtful for tonight in Portland, which typically is the downgrading process for a player who will be out. So Dru Smith likely back in the mix after being held out vs. Kings for the first time this season.

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Ira Winderman: Full clarity now on Heat injury report for tonight at Minnesota (NBC): Out: Jaime Jaquez (ankle), Terry Rozier (NWT). Available: Bam Adebayo (back), Tyler Herro (toe), Keshad Johnson (back), Nikola Jovic (groin), Pelle Larsson (ankle), Norman Powell (hamstring), Dru Smith (elbow)

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The Heat have upgraded Tyler Herro (right big toe contusion), Pelle Larsson (right hip flexor tightness), Davion Mitchell (right groin tightness) and Dru Smith (left hip contusion) to available for Tuesday’s game against Orlando.

HoopsHype

Anthony Chiang: Dru Smith (left hip contusion) did not practice today. The rest of the Heat’s players practiced. Davion Mitchell expects to play tomorrow.

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Anthony Chiang: Heat says Davion Mitchell (groin tightness), Pelle Larsson (hip flexor right tightness) and Tyler Herro (toe contusion) are out tonight vs. Kings. Norman Powell (sprained ankle) is available. Dru Smith (hip tightness) is now probable.

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Ira Winderman: Heat injury report for Wednesday vs. visiting Cavs: Out: Bam Adebayo (toe), Tyler Herro (ankle), Terry Rozier (not with team), Jahmir Young (G League), Myron Gardner (G League). Available: Dru Smith (knee), Kel'el Ware (hip), Davion Mitchell (back), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle).

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Anthony Chiang: Dru Smith (right knee contusion) is available to play tonight vs. Cavs. Kel'el Ware (right hip flexor strain) is added to the injury report. He's probable for tonight.

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Anthony Chiang: Along with Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell getting the night off, it appears that Simone Fontecchio and Dru Smith will also be held out tonight in Orlando.

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Barry Jackson: Dru Smith said he's been cleared to play preseason... jovic hopes to get chance to win starting job in next 3 weeks

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“I don’t really see why not,” Smith said when asked whether he believes he’ll be able to get back to his pre-injury form. “I wouldn’t say this has necessarily been any worse of a rehab than the ACL or anything like that. I think [Heat senior director of rehabilitation] Jeff [Ruiz], who I work with every day, I think he’s done an incredible job. “I don’t see any reason why I can’t get back to being myself. The few times that I have been on the floor, I feel really good. I feel like I’m moving well.”

Miami Herald

“It was obviously a little stressful and things like that,” Smith, 27, said Wednesday during a phone interview. “I think any time, whenever you have nothing signed and nothing set in stone, I think it’s just a little worrisome. But overall I think we love this organization and we’re just excited to be able to be back and be a part of this.”

Miami Herald

The Heat opted to sign Dru Smith instead of a backup center such as Kai Jones, who auditioned for Miami last week, or veteran center Trey Lyles, who also has been linked to the Heat. Miami isn’t expected to add a backup center in free agency anytime soon, though it’s conceivable that could be addressed with another trade.

Miami Herald

Miami Heat: OFFICIAL: The Miami HEAT have re-signed guard Dru Smith.

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Anthony Chiang: Heat’s 14th standard contract goes to Dru Smith, a league source confirms. Only the first season of the three-year, $7.9 million deal is fully guaranteed.

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