The Miami Heat continued their bright start to the season after securing their latest win against the Toronto Raptors.
After the impressive 114-104 win the Heat extended their unbeaten run to four games, helping improve their record to 13-10 in the Eastern Conference.
Even Jimmy Butler’s trade rumours don’t seem to be distracting the in-form Heat.
Tyler Herro once again top-scored for the Heat with 23 and Bam Adebayo also showed his worth with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
Chandler Parsons recently revealed how Herro is worthy of All-Star status, hardly a surprising comment given his impact this season.
However, it was another Heat player that coach Erik Spoelstra was full of praise for following the Raptors win.
It’s always a good sign when you’re getting praise from your coach and that’s just what is happening for Dru Smith.
Smith has been far from a regular in the NBA since getting his first taste in the 2021 Summer League. He has been waived on multiple occasions by the Heat and recently signed another two-way contract this summer.
Despite struggling to become an NBA regular Smith’s game time has increased this season, he averages 17.4 minutes per game.
It was his latest display against the Raptors though that caught his coach’s attention.
Speaking to the media, Spoelstra said: “When we find guys that just do winning things on both ends of the court and can do it over again and be consistent to that, that’s a superpower in this league.”
Smith, who is just 26, was highlighted as the ‘glue’ that makes any unit work, certainly high praise.
Spoelstra continued: “He’s kind of the glue that fits, he can make any unit work. So you gotta keep making me play you and not even think about putting anyone else in there.”
Following his display against the Raptors, which saw Smith drop 11 points, three rebounds and three assists, Miami Heat fans shared their excitement about their new star.
Taking to social media fans were full of praise for Smith, who will be looking to repay their love.
One fan said: “Give Dru Smith the max contract, I’ve seen enough.”
Another said: “Dru Smith is him.”
“I have never seen a talent like Dru Smith”, one fan boldly claimed.
Even his teammate Bam Adebayo couldn’t help but praise Smith for his impact on the court.
A further Heat fan said: “Dru Smith is way more impactful than Terry Rozier.”
Finally one said: “The whole world stops when Dru Smith enters the game.”
Certainly, high praise for Smith to try and live up to when the Heat face the Detroit Pistons next time out.
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