Heat secures standout player from NBA Summer League with a contract
The Miami Heat just shook up their roster again, signing a rising star from the 2024 NBA Summer League. After impressing fans and scouts alike in Las Vegas, Myron Gardner has landed a two-way contract with Miami, fueling excitement about the franchise’s knack for spotting under-the-radar talent.
A Slam Dunk Summer: Gardner’s Impressive Stats
Though Gardner only featured in two games for the Heat during the Las Vegas Summer League, he left quite an impression. Averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, he shot 44% from the field, an incredible 66.7% from deep, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line. During the California Classic, he added another level of efficiency, posting 9.0 points per game while hitting 61.5% of his shots and nailing 50% from beyond the arc.
“He brings a lot of the energy and defensive presence we’re missing,” noted one Heat staff member at the Summer League. “His versatility will allow us to try some new things with our rotations.”
From G League to a Heat Opportunity
Gardner joins Miami after two seasons grinding it out in the G League with the Osceola Magic. Going undrafted in 2023, he played 97 games in the G League, compiling averages of 7.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals with solid shooting splits. His shot has shown clear development, hitting 46.6% from the field and over 33% from three.
Veteran analyst Chris Haynes shared, “Miami’s front office hasn’t hesitated to invest in players who might’ve slipped through the cracks on draft day. Gardner is just the latest in a long line of Summer League standouts to earn his shot with the club.”
This season, Gardner is expected to spend most of his time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce—the Heat’s G League affiliate. Under the terms of his two-way contract, he can play in up to 50 NBA games but won’t be eligible for an NBA playoff run unless upgraded to a standard deal.
Diverse Reactions and The Path Forward
Some analysts believe Gardner’s hustle and all-around game could be a perfect fit for Miami’s famous culture. Others urge caution. “Summer League standouts don’t always translate to regular season impact. It’s a big jump,” said a former NBA scout. Still, Miami’s track record developing overlooked talent—from Tyler Herro’s rise to the franchise’s attention to offseason roster moves—can’t be ignored.
Fans are also debating Miami’s next moves, since one two-way spot remains open and a qualifying offer is out to Dru Smith. With Gardner and another undrafted surprise, Vladislav Goldin, the Heat seem committed to uncovering the next big thing through bold Summer League acquisitions.
The Miami Heat’s gamble on Myron Gardner signals their continued trust in the NBA’s development ecosystem and their own reputation for turning overlooked prospects into contributors. As roster spots fill and teams finalize their lineups, many around the league are watching closely to see whether Gardner will become the next Heat breakout—or a Summer League flash in the pan.
Interested in more NBA news and offseason insights? Check out the latest grades and moves across the league here.
Source: sports.yahoo.com