Does loss of Dru Smith means personnel work for Miami Heat?

Q: Ira, read about Dru Smith and feel terrible for the kid. I know he’s getting his money, but I’m sure he would rather play. But what do the Heat do now? – Yoel.

A: I’m not necessarily sure there is urgency when it comes to replacing a third point guard, although concern certainly is heightened when your starting point guard is 37 (Kyle Lowry) and now your back-up is 30 (Josh Richardson, who started Friday at shooting guard, and played well). And the party line all along has been that in Erik Spoelstra’s position-less world, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo do plenty of ballhandling and playmaking, and Tyler Herro certainly will do the same when he returns. Still, there is nothing wrong with insurance, even if more costly than anticipated (because Dru Smith’s full salary, and not just the $425,00 he was guaranteed, now is locked into the books for cap and tax purposes). In the short term, since 10-day contracts don’t begin until January, I would expect the Heat to add another point guard only when/if needed, and then only on a non-guaranteed, game-to-game arrangement. That could preclude a player returning from overseas, such as a Kendrick Nunn, or perhaps even an older veteran who has been out of the league and would need time for conditioning.