Former USC Standout Drew Peterson Officially Joins Miami Heat

After completing his journey at USC this past June and going undrafted, Drew Peterson, a former two-time All-Pac-12 USC Trojans combo forward, left a strong impression on the Miami Heat during his stint with the team’s Summer League squad in Las Vegas. Demonstrating his skills on the court, Peterson showcased his versatility and prowess, catching the attention of Miami Heat personnel. Across an average of 24.5 minutes per game, he maintained an impressive performance record, tallying 10 points with a .467/.471/.800 slash line, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. Notably, he excelled in three-point shooting, boasting a remarkable 47.1% conversion rate from beyond the arc, making 4.3 attempts per game.

Having initially committed to joining the team on an Exhibit 10 training camp contract earlier in the week, Drew Peterson’s inclusion in the Miami Heat has now been officially confirmed, according to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.

Although the Heat have successfully filled all three of their two-way contract openings, having recently signed Peterson’s Summer League teammate Jamal Cain, the team still maintains two vacant spots on their standard 15-man roster.

Reports from Jackson and Chiang suggest that the Heat find themselves in a holding pattern regarding these two remaining spots. Their attention appears to be largely focused on Portland Trail Blazers All-NBA point guard Damian Lillard, who has specifically expressed his desire to be traded to the South Beach team.

While Drew Peterson’s experience in the league might be limited, he presents a unique prospect for the Miami Heat. Considering the team’s aspirations to compete for a championship, Peterson’s inclusion on the actual roster might be challenging. However, the Heat’s need for depth in the big man bench positions is notable, and Peterson’s floor spacing abilities could contribute positively to the team’s dynamics. Highlighting his three-point prowess—a 35.8% career three-point shooter with an average of 3.4 attempts per game during his college career—Peterson’s skills align with Miami’s strategic requirements.

In the event that the Heat decide to waive Peterson, he might find an opportunity to sign with their NBA G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. If he manages to remain with the club for a minimum of 60 days, he would become eligible for a significant signing bonus valued at up to $75,000.

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