Story by
Miami Heat Bring Back 2x NBA Champion Norris Cole in Major Coaching Move
- Story by
- Miami Heat Bring Back 2x NBA Champion Norris Cole in Major Coaching Move
The Miami Heat is reunited with former NBA player Norris Cole ahead of the 2026-27 season. According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Cole returns to the Heat franchise as part of the coaching staff of the team's G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Chiang reported that the former professional basketball player will be an assistant coach.
Cole started his professional career in Miami, after the team traded for his draft rights in 2011. He served as a backup point guard to Mario Chalmers and played alongside LeBron James , Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh . The former Cleveland State guard was part of the Heat's back-to-back championship runs.
Norris Cole played in the NBA for six seasons.Credit: Getty Images
Cole's tenure in Miami lasted three and a half years before a trade sent him to the Pelicans. During his time with the Heat, he posted modest averages of 6.2 points and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 31.8% from three-point range.
Advertisement
On Sunday, he was at the Heat facility and shared a wholesome moment with All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo .
"I grew up watching you," Antetokounmpo told the ex-NBA guard.
"Now I'm watching you," Cole replied.
When Cole won his second title in 2013, that was when the Milwaukee Bucks drafted an 18-year-old Antetokounmpo with the No. 15 pick.
Miami Heat Adds Former Lottery Pick to the Roster
Before Monday's Media Day, the Miami Heat added another veteran guard to their roster. They signed Dennis Smith Jr . to an Exhibit 10 deal to fill out the team's 15th roster spot.
Smith started his career with the Dallas Mavericks , who drafted him with the No. 9 pick in 2017. He showed promise early on and finished fifth in the Rookie of the Year Race. However, after he was traded to the New York Knicks , his NBA tenure has never been the same.
Advertisement
Injuries played a massive part in the guard's career. Smith became a journeyman, playing for the Detroit Pistons , the Portland Trail Blazers , the Charlotte Hornets and the Brooklyn Nets . That 2023-24 stop in Brooklyn marks his last run in the league, a stretch where he produced modest numbers — 6.6 points , 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists—while serving as a veteran utility option for the Nets.
Smith played for Real Madrid in the EuroLeague in 2025. The following season, he played for the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks' G League affiliate. Last season, Smith was with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
He adds depth to Miami Heat's backcourt, which features Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith .
More NBA News:
Advertisement
