Heat Guard Dru Smith Sustained Calf Injury
The 28-year-old will miss the remainder of training camp and the five-game exhibition schedule.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball
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Miami Heat guard Dru Smith suffered a strained right calf during Wednesday's practice at Florida Atlantic University. The injury will sideline the 28-year-old for the remainder of the team's training camp and the upcoming exhibition series.
Why it matters
Smith's absence forces the Heat to manage their point guard depth during the preseason. The team is now looking to address the gap in the rotation as they head into a five-game exhibition schedule.
The Heat face a 5-game exhibition schedule without Smith, who is expected to miss multiple weeks. The team is currently working to add point guard depth within the next one to two weeks.
The players
Dru Smith
The 28-year-old Miami Heat guard who will miss the preseason due to a calf strain.
Miami Heat
The professional basketball organization currently conducting training camp in Boca Raton.
Dennis Smith Jr.
The player whom the Miami Heat intend to sign to a camp tryout.
The details
Smith injured his calf while attempting a back cut during Wednesday's session in Boca Raton. The Heat conclude their camp at Florida Atlantic University this Friday before facing the Toronto Raptors in Quebec City on Saturday. The organization expects to have additional point guard support solidified within two weeks.
Timeline
Wednesday: Dru Smith suffered the calf injury during practice.
Friday: The Heat conclude training camp.
Saturday: The team opens their exhibition schedule against Toronto.
Within one to two weeks: The Heat expect additional point guard depth.
Beyond the 305
This latest calf strain marks a difficult recurrence for the guard, following his prior Achilles and knee injuries. The setback continues a pattern of health challenges for the player that have previously impacted his availability.
Fans heading to the preseason games should watch for new guard rotations as the team adjusts to the loss. Expect updates on additional signings in the coming two weeks.
The takeaway
The team will be without one of their primary backcourt rotations throughout the entire exhibition stretch. Fans should keep an eye on the official roster announcements over the next two weeks to see how the team fills the vacancy.
What happens next
The Heat are expected to sign Dennis Smith Jr. to a camp tryout within the next one to two weeks to help bolster the roster.
Further reading
Keep up with roster updates and preseason news on our Basketball page.
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