The Miami Heat are hungry to prove their doubters wrong. The GM survey showed little faith in the franchise, but Jimmy Butler has led the Heat to the conference finals in two of the last three years and two NBA Finals since 2020. They believe another deep run is possible, but the Heat need the right pieces around Jimmy Buckets.
Training camp is underway, and the Heat are already showing signs of promise. Bam Adebayo’s improved 3-point shooting is something worth watching. Terry Rozier is back healthy, and fans have seen Butler appear locked in since media day.
The Heat have to trim their roster before opening night. They currently have 21 players, including their three two-way options. Miami must reach 18 before opening night with 15 or fewer on standard contracts. The Heat likely only keep 14, and their first cut was obvious.
The 6’4 guard went undrafted out of Villanova in 2023 before signing an exhibit-10 contract with the Heat last August. Daniels spent the entire season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce where he averaged 12.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 31.5 minutes per game.
The Heat announced they waived Daniels on Oct. 10 to make room to add Warren Washington. The seven-footer gives them a big man for their G League squad, and parting with Daniels was a no-brainer.
The 25-year-old did have eight points and nine rebounds in the Heat’s first preseason game against the Hornets, but he came off the bench in summer league and struggled to hit shots. His inconsistent jumper and lack of playmaking made this an easy decision for the Heat.
Miami has Rozier, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Alec Burks, and Josh Richardson vying for minutes in the backcourt. There is just no room for Daniels or anyone else. His summer league struggles prove he needs more seasoning in the G League.
The Heat have several training camp invites vying for their final roster sport, and the team wants to be successful in the G League. It should not surprise anyone that they dumped Daniels to add a big man. Daniels and Washington will end up on the Skyforce and will be quality options.
The Miami Heat will likely cut Zyon Pullin, Nassir Little, Washington, and Isaiah Stevens before the Oct. 21 deadline to be ready for opening night. It will leave them with 14 players and enough talent to surprise some people. Each player will get a shot in Sioux Falls and might become Miami’s next unheralded find. Daniels won’t play on the Heat this season, but his upside is worth monitoring during his time in the G League. Miami is known for developing talent, and he might be the next success story.
