Myron Gardner
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The Miami Heat have converted two-way guard Myron Gardner into a standard contract.
The Miami Heat have converted undrafted rookie guard Myron Gardner to a standard contract, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. The deal is for three years.
Following Gardner’s recent string of positive play, he’s earned the opportunity to be a permanent player for the team.
The swingman has only played in one game this season with the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. In 26 games with the Heat, Gardner is averaging 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game on 46.4% shooting.
His play has been rapidly improving throughout the season. He’s scored in double digits in three of his last seven games. The best statistical game of his career came against the Atlanta Hawks on February 3, when he finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds on 5-8 shooting.
“I really like Myron Gardner’s game. Swiss Army knife type of player that can do a lot on the floor,” popular X account Heat Nation said. “[He] fits into the Heat system with a ton of energy. There’s a reason he got three years.”
His impact on the court is reflected by the advanced statistics. Despite only playing in 26 games, Gardner has the sixth-highest plus/minus on the team at +42.
What Does the Miami Heat Coaching Staff Think About Myron Gardner?
Myron Gardner
GettyMiami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has been impressed with the effort Myron Gardner has brought to the team.
There’s a reason the Miami Heat offered Myron Gardner a three-year deal despite playing in just 26 games.
Every time Gardner is on the court, he plays with high intensity and effort. His ability to impact winning basketball has impressed Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
“He’s providing value right now,” Spoelstra told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald after the Heat’s win against the Sacramento Kings on January 20. “He was given some opportunities because of injuries. Now he makes you raise your eyebrows and watch the film a little more closely and that’s what you want. Make me watch you and make me play you, and you do it with your actions. I really like what he’s done. His energy is contagious. The guys like playing with him. You feel him and see him and sense him when he’s in the game.”
The Heat coaching staff emphasizes playing with grit, energy and hustle. That’s part of what’s known as “Heat Culture.”
Based on Spoelstra’s evaluation of Gardner, he is a perfect fit for Heat Culture. His energy isn’t just making an impact on the coaches, too.
“There are going to be some nights when we’re dead, especially back-to-back, your legs are tired. When you get the energy from a guy like Myron, you need that,” Heat guard Davion Mitchell told Jackson after the Kings game.
The Miami Heat Have a History of Turning Undrafted Players Into Contributors
The Miami Heat are notorious for turning undrafted free agents into high-impact players, and Myron Gardner could be the next Heat player to continue that trend.
Udonis Haslem, Duncan Robinson and Max Strus, among multiple others, have come into the Heat organization and contributed to winning basketball.
Haslem became a three-time NBA champion and a leader for multiple decades on the Heat. Robinson became one of the best sharpshooters in the NBA, with his arguable career-best moment coming in the 2020 NBA Finals when he scored 26 points on 8-15 shooting in game five.
The Heat’s coaching staff and front office seem to believe Gardner can be the next undrafted player to make a splash in the organization, but only time will tell.