Heat Claim Mbeng, Camp Roster Nears Its Limit

By the Heat Nightly Desk · Wednesday, September 23

Miami claimed guard Bez Mbeng off waivers on September 23 for $2.2 million this season, adding to a training camp roster already carrying nineteen names. The move raises the question of how many bodies Erik Spoelstra keeps before the preseason opener October 3 at Toronto.

Heat Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Mbeng Joins The Fold

Bez Mbeng, a guard entering his second NBA season, joined the Heat on September 23 off waivers, worth $2.2 million this season. He wears No. 21 in training camp.

Camp Fills Up

Camp now carries nineteen roster names after the addition, with the fifteenth-spot question from earlier in the week still unresolved. Payroll sits at $208.3 million, above the $200.4 million luxury tax line, so every roster decision now costs more than the salary line alone shows.

October Awaits

The preseason opens October 3 at Toronto on NBA TV, followed by home dates against New Orleans on October 8, Minnesota on October 10 and Brooklyn on October 14. The regular season opener is set for October 21 against the Timberwolves on ESPN.

Fontecchio's Number

One number worth tracking: Fontecchio's true shooting sits at 70.8 percent over his last 10 games, well above his season mark. The sample is still small enough that it should not be treated as settled.

Bottom Line

Mbeng fills a body on the depth chart, not a guarantee. Whether Spoelstra keeps him past final cuts, or Miami still hunts for more at that guard spot, is the question training camp has not answered yet.

Did the Heat sign Bez Mbeng?

Yes, Miami claimed guard Bez Mbeng off waivers on September 23 for $2.2 million this season.

When does the Heat preseason start?

Miami opens the preseason October 3 at Toronto, with the regular season opener set for October 21 against Minnesota.