MIAMI, Fla. – Despite falling 125-124 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday in preseason game No. 3, the Miami Heat rested most of the main cast, presenting an opportunity for others to shine under the bright lights of the Kaseya Center.
Second-round pick rookie guard Ryan Conwell was among those to take full advantage. He finished with 22 points on 38.9 percent shooting, five rebounds, nine assists, and two steals in 32 minutes off the bench. Conwell's scoring isn't a surprise based on his production in the 2025-26 college basketball season with Louisville. The former Cardinals star averaged 18.8 points on 40.8 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 34 games (all starts).
The 22-year-old scored over 20 points in 15 games. However, Conwell's facilitation wasn't always on display. He had just 12 games with more than four assists through a four-year collegiate career while playing 138 total games. The Heat have been searching the market for additional playmaking depth, especially with veteran Dru Smith suffering a right calf strain during training camp at Florida Atlantic University.
Conwell has an opportunity to cement a rotational role early in the 2026-27 regular season. Despite being a rookie, playing four years of college basketball makes him more NBA-ready than the average newcomer. Conwell has played in multiple different systems and understands the means of adjusting while delivering an impact.
The Heat's primary bench unit is projected to be Pelle Larsson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Nikola Jovic, and Bobby Portis Jr. Conwell can be inserted as a ball handler and facilitator, especially if Saturday was just a preview of what's to come. If he continues to earn head coach Erik Spoelstra's trust, the rookie will likely share the court with stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Conwell hasn't received much consideration for the Rookie of the Year award. He will have to compete against Washington Wizards ' AJ Dybantsa (No. 1), Utah Jazz's Darryn Peterson (No. 2), Memphis Grizzlies ' Cameron Boozer (No. 3), Chicago Bulls ' Caleb Wilson (No. 4), and Sacramento Kings ' Darius Acuff Jr. (No. 7).
Unlike the other lottery picks, the Heat present Conwell with an opportunity to compete for the Larry O'Brien trophy. Every minute spent on the court is a meaningful contribution as the organization looks to end a 13-year championship drought. Conwell will likely play the next couple of preseason games against the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic before the real journey begins.
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