Heat’s Smith Suffers Achilles Tendon Tear, Undergoing Surgery and Facing Long Recovery

Miami Heat’s two-way guard Dru Smith has suffered a significant setback after tearing his Achilles tendon during a recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. Smith, who had been enjoying a strong season, was forced to leave the game after sustaining the injury. As he dribbled the ball into the second half, he lost control during a pivot, immediately collapsing in pain. His agonizing fall left him grimacing in pain, and he was escorted off the court to the locker room.

This devastating injury requires surgery and several months of rehabilitation, marking yet another challenge in Smith‘s career. The setback is especially frustrating given the impressive recovery he made from an ACL tear just over a year ago, which had sidelined him temporarily before making a remarkable return. After his recovery, Smith seemed poised to secure a standard NBA contract, but this new Achilles injury has now cast uncertainty over his immediate future with the team.

Smith, who celebrated his 27th birthday on the day of the game, has been putting up career-high averages this season, contributing 6.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game across 19.1 minutes of play. His determination to return to the NBA after previous injuries, including a knee injury that shortened his 2021-22 season in the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, had been a source of inspiration for the Heat organization.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed deep respect for Smith‘s perseverance and work ethic in the face of adversity. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for his journey and everything he’s had to go through,” Spoelstra said after Monday’s game. “I was in the building last year when no one else was here, and he was putting in all the rehab and recovery work day and night. He has incredible endurance. You root for people like Dru.”

Smith‘s journey to recovery has been filled with challenges, but his work ethic and tenacity have always stood out. Now, he faces a difficult road ahead, with months of recovery required before he can get back on the court. Despite these challenges, Smith has shown a relentless drive to prove himself, and his teammates and coaches are hopeful for his full recovery.

In response to the injury, the Heat have made adjustments to their roster. Sources indicate that Miami is moving forward with two-way forward Keshad Johnson, who has been promoted to a standard NBA contract for two years. Johnson, who had an outstanding season in the G League with Sioux Falls, averaged 21.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, earning the opportunity to contribute at the NBA level.

As Smith faces a lengthy recovery, the Miami Heat are rallying behind him, with hopes that he will eventually return to the court stronger than ever. The team will continue to support him as he goes through this challenging chapter in his career.