Heat Add Smith Jr., Lock Down Schieffelin

By the Heat Nightly Desk · Monday, September 28

Ian Schieffelin's Exhibit 10 contract became official on the transaction log September 27, and hoopsrumors reported the same day that the Heat are finalizing a deal with veteran guard Dennis Smith Jr. Four players — Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ryan Conwell and Myron Gardner — are day-to-day heading into next week's preseason opener at Toronto.

Heat Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Camp Roster Firms Up

Ian Schieffelin's arrival became official on the transaction log September 27, the second confirmed camp addition this month after Bez Mbeng's waiver claim on September 22. Hoopsrumors reported the same day that the Heat are finalizing a deal with veteran guard Dennis Smith Jr. A separate Southeast Notes report named Knueppel, Cole and other division players without further detail attached.

Four Bodies Day-To-Day

Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ryan Conwell and Myron Gardner are each day-to-day, all targeting an October 1 return. That timeline lines up with the preseason opener October 3 at Toronto, though none of the four is guaranteed to suit up that night.

Preseason Slate Ahead

Miami opens its preseason October 3 at Toronto, broadcast by NBA TV, then hosts New Orleans on October 8, Minnesota on October 10 and Brooklyn on October 14. The regular-season opener is set for October 21 against Minnesota, airing on ESPN.

One Number: 70.8

Simone Fontecchio's true shooting climbed to 70.8 percent over his final 10 games last season, a marked jump from his season-long efficiency and still too small a sample to bank on for this fall.

Open Question

With Schieffelin and Mbeng in, Young and Keels out, and four regulars sidelined into October, the question is whether this group can find rhythm before games start counting.

Is Dennis Smith Jr. officially on the Heat?

Not yet as of September 27 — hoopsrumors reported the Heat are finalizing the signing, but no transaction log entry has confirmed it.

When do the Heat play their first preseason game?

October 3 at Toronto, broadcast by NBA TV, with the regular-season opener set for October 21 against Minnesota on ESPN.