Josh Christopher, a former first-round choice, ought to receive a two-way contract offer from the Miami Heat immediately.
The Miami Heat defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118 in thrilling overtime to win their first Summer League championship in team history on Monday night. Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson, Alondes Williams, Keshad Johnson, and Cole Swider led an outstanding group of players.
But Josh Christopher stole the show, won the Summer League championship MVP award, and carried the Heat home with a brilliant effort.
Throughout this July exhibition, the 24th pick in the 2021 draft regularly came through in crucial situations. His performances in the Summer League Championship featured a step-back three-pointer from the logo, a 20-point explosion in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and a clutch and one against the Golden State Warriors.
With this effort, he won the MVP award for the Summer League championship in addition to helping his team win the title. Since joining the Miami Heat’s G League club in Sioux Falls in early January, Christopher has been a part of the organization. He’s kept his head down and put in the work ever since the Houston Rockets waived him in 2023, realizing that nothing in this league is given.
Josh Christopher taking over at the end of a quarter… what’s new?
He’s on an 8-0 run of his own and has 13 points heading into halftime. pic.twitter.com/D8DPeOh1pN
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 23, 2024
Christopher is attempting to position himself for a two-way contract with the Heat at this point in the offseason.
With just 14 players on its roster, the Heat will not be able to add a 15th and avoid paying the second tax until the middle of the season. However, the company can be adaptable because the two-way contract places are interchangeable at any moment and don’t affect the team’s financial obligations.
Teams are allowed to have up to three two-way players on their roster; the other two can be argued over till the end of time, but Christopher ought to be a lock.
He has put in every effort to restart his career and has done so while supporting the values that the Heat hold dear. He’s been willing to put in the effort, selfless, and modest.
Even if the Heat offered Dru Smith a two-way berth, they ought to be looking to withdraw that offer. Not that Smith is a bad player; nevertheless, the Heat have younger players with greater promise, and Smith’s recent ACL tear doesn’t help either. Although Smith is a well-known player, he missed summer league in order to heal from his injuries.
While the Heat have received recognition for nurturing undrafted players and relative unknowns, when have they developed a guy with Christopher’s raw talent—who is still only 22 years old—into a first-round pick?
Depth is important for a squad that is squeezed against the second apron. It would be a major victory for the Heat if Christopher receives a two-way contract and later demonstrates that he deserves a normal contract. A club whose offense often stalls could benefit from Christopher’s propensity to score. Regardless, it’s a wise idea to bring him into the changing area. An extremely gifted player with a renewed hunger is uncommon.
As quickly as possible, the Heat ought to extend a two-way contract to Christopher.