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Does the Miami Heat's Veteran Depth Push Ryan Conwell Out?
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- Does the Miami Heat's Veteran Depth Push Ryan Conwell Out?
Does the Miami Heat's Veteran Depth Push Ryan Conwell Out?
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
MIAMI, Fla. – After officially signing Klay Thompson and reportedly monitoring Victor Oladipo as a potential late addition to the roster, where does that leave Miami Heat second-round rookie Ryan Conwell this upcoming season?
The 22-year-old was the No. 37 pick in this year's draft class, coming off a career year at Louisville. Conwell averaged 18.8 points on 40.8 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 34 games (all starts). He received All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors.
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Conwell is represented by Richard Beda and David Mondress of WME Basketball. They managed to land him a standard three-year, $6.35 million rookie contract rather than settle for a two-way. Although Conwell is on the active roster, the projected depth chart has him on the deep end of the bench.
Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. are established veterans ahead, plus Myron Gardner.
Conwell's best option is likely to play stints with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat's G League affiliate. He will have an opportunity to focus on developing without dealing with any extra pressure. The Heat have greater championship aspirations compared to recent years and Conwell's growth likely won't be the main priority.
Over the last couple of seasons, a growing number of first-round picks have spent time in the G League. It wouldn't be unreasonable for Conwell to gain experience playing professional basketball rather than sitting on the bench. He participated in both the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League.
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Conwell is a reliable scorer who can be a disruptor in the passing lanes.
The Heat gave up four younger players, including All-Star guard Tyler Herro, in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade. Conwell can emerge as a viable piece for the franchise's future. He's one of four players on the active roster younger than 26 (Nikola Jovic, Gardner, and Pelle Larsson).
Conwell will still have opportunities to learn with all the championship veterans surrounding him. Antetokounmpo, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Bobby Portis Jr. combine for seven rings.
The Heat are arguably the best at developing overlooked talent, especially through the G League pipeline. Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, Haywood Highsmith, and Caleb Martin are prime examples. Conwell is in a great system to grow while he awaits an opportunity to shine on the court.
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Facing championship-or-bust expectations, the Heat are among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Conwell is on the verge of starting a promising NBA career.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes , Miami Heat , and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
