Dru Smith, the latest discovery of Erik Spoelstra: "I try to appreciate the opportunities I get and make the most of them"

Dru Smith is averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists so far in the 2024/25 season. These stats might seem weak, but the reality is that the 26-year-old player is increasingly involved and considered an important piece in the Miami Heat rotation by Erik Spoelstra.

In a recent interview with HoopsHype, Smith talked about his long journey to establish himself as an NBA team member, going through all stages until achieving it.

The key to his success
I would say the most important key has been finding different ways to be on the court. It's not just about accepting a role. I'm not going to be out there shooting a lot during the game. I have to find another way to be on the court. I have to find a way to impact the game. So, I would say that has been the major key.

Gradual progression
Yes, I think one of the things is simply knowing who I am. Being okay with trying to be a defender and finding your way on the court that way and then expanding the role from there. But also continuing to work on your game. Every opportunity I have in the summers, things like that, I always try to do something, work on something, be intentional about it.

Going through all the stages
Yes, there were many days of frustration. Wondering if this was what I should be doing. Feeling like you're chasing something that seems to be getting further away. But it was worth it, and I just kept going. Even though I'm still in the same position. I'm still here on a two-way contract, trying to do the same. So, at the same time, I try to appreciate the opportunities I get and make the most out of them.

Mindset shift
Honestly, I think it's more about having confidence in myself and my ability to be on the court. Feeling that the things I bring are good enough to have me there and that I can make an impact.

Improvements over the last year
I think, as I mentioned before, it's about fitting into a role. Finding a specific place that benefits you. It won't always be the same. Even if I were somewhere else, it could be something completely different. So being willing to accept that, I think, is huge. Find your role, embrace it, and try to be the best at it you can.

His role at Miami Heat
I think my role here is to try to be as disruptive as possible defensively. Bring energy, impact plays on the defensive end and, obviously, make open shots, move the ball where it needs to go. Play the right way offensively, not forcing anything, letting the game come to me in that aspect.

Biggest obstacle to get where he is
Yes, obviously the ACL injury was the biggest hurdle, I would say. But I think it was that year I was here on a two-way contract, I got waived, re-signed, waived again, then signed with Brooklyn. And I didn't re-sign with Brooklyn in the summer. I would say that was probably the biggest mental challenge. The ACL was tough too, but it was something you had to accept, there was no other option. The two-way contract was a rollercoaster, and it was really tough mentally. So I would say that was the biggest obstacle.

Challenges in handling it
I don't think necessarily ego-wise, but as you said, I think it's more about the unknown, you always have that feeling. It's very volatile, even if it's not necessarily about how you're playing, it could be a numbers thing, they might need someone else. So yeah, that was definitely difficult.

Underrated aspect of his game
Honestly, I don't know. I don't necessarily have an idea. And if I had to say something, maybe I wouldn't want to say it. Let them keep overlooking what they need to. So just keep giving me open shots, I appreciate it.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Dru Smith, el último descubrimiento de Erik Spoelstra: "Intento apreciar las oportunidades que obtengo y sacarles el máximo provecho"