Heat Swap Same Two Players On Their Roster For the Third Time

As trade mill rumors continue to pick up pace, teams are still doing what they can to make the most out of their current rosters. While they haven’t made any big moves yet, the struggling Miami Heat continue to flip the same two players for their last bench spot. This time, Dru Smith got the short end of the stick, being waived in favor of Orlando Robinson, who was signed to a two-way contract.

Heat waives Dru Smith from two way and signs Orlando Robinson to two way
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 11, 2022

This is the third time the two players have swapped places this season. Just a few weeks ago, Smith, a shooting guard, took Robinson’s place once fellow center Omer Yurtseven’s return from injury made him redundant.

Orlando Robinson and Dru Smith were ON ONE for the @SFSkyforce 😤

Robinson filled up the stat sheet and Smith gave the Skyforce a healthy supply of buckets in the W! pic.twitter.com/ad43qDGLIA
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 4, 2022

Both players have been showing out in the G League for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, but neither of them have had the same opportunity or results so far for the Heat. Robinson has averaged just 7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Smith has managed only 2.2 points, although he did get his first NBA start on the 8th before being waived.

First career start for Dru pic.twitter.com/ZGtjzG7KCV
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 9, 2022

The Heat, led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, were expected to make another deep playoff run this year, but injuries and age have held them back. They now sit at 12-15, 10th in the Eastern conference, and if they plan to make the most of their star duo’s primes, they’re going to be looking for reinforcements through the trade market sooner or later. Even if they’re unlikely to get many minutes with the big club, Robinson and Smith might want the chance to showcase themselves enough to get sent to a rebuilding team that can offer them a bigger role.