Ex-Lakers Guard Suddenly Fits A Playoff Team's Final Need

The Miami Heat are evaluating their options to fill a key roster spot, with a focus on veteran guard Gabe Vincent as a potential candidate to strengthen their lineup ahead of the new season.

The Miami Heat still have one roster spot open, and the conversation around that last opening is starting to narrow toward the backcourt. Miami has built out a deep group already, but the final move could come down to whether the team wants to hold that slot for later or use it now on a veteran guard.

Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman pointed to that flexibility as part of the equation, writing, “There also is something to be said about running with what you have at the moment, while still having a salary slot/roster spot available for a rainy day. Then it becomes about when to pounce, be it on D’Angelo Russell potentially coming free before camp or waiting for something bigger down the road,”

One name that keeps surfacing is Gabe Vincent. The Heat have been connected to a reunion with the former guard, and NBA insider Brett Siegel said that fit makes plenty of sense.

“I would expect them to go guard for one of their final spots, I think a Gabe Vincent reunion there makes a lot of sense, especially since Bam Adebayo and Erik Spoelstra have been big advocates for him ever since Summer League. I would think that it is very likely at this point that they would give that to Gabe Vincent if he's willing to take a minimum (contract) there.

I would expect them to go guard for one of their final spots. I think that Gabe Vincent, a reunion there makes a lot of sense," Siegel said.

Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer also reported that Miami is interested in bringing Vincent back, noting the Heat are still weighing the backup guard market.

“Miami Heat does have interest in Gabe Vincent as well. The Heat are legitimately exploring the backup guard market. Vincent to my understanding is looking for a real playoff environment to join again, he wants to prove himself again in a contending playoff environment,” Fischer wrote.

If Vincent returns, he would add another veteran option for Davion Mitchell in the backcourt. He would also give Miami another perimeter shooter if he can recapture the touch that was affected by injuries and led to uneven minutes.

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