The Miami Heat went 2-1 in the 2026 California Classic. (Mandatory Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat wrapped up their three-game trip in San Francisco, Calif., in the California Classic on Monday, finishing 2-1 with wins over the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors (Gold). They travel to Las Vegas, Nev., this week to play five more Summer League games, beginning on Friday.
But before we dig into that, what were three takeaways from the California Classic?
Ryan Conwell knows how to score, but another area of his game stuck out:
Skinny: The Heat’s No. 37 overall draft choice was their best player in San Francisco.
Across three California Classic games, Conwell, 22, averaged 21.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Evidently, he knew how to score from two levels, both in spot-up and off-the-dribble situations. His sweet and smooth left-handed stroke was on full display, even though he wasn’t always efficient, shooting just 40.9 percent from the floor and 32.1 percent from deep (9-28).
However, another area of his game stuck out the most: His defense, specifically at the point-of-attack.
Conwell wasn’t afraid to pick up ballhandlers 94 feet. He was very engaged defensively all weekend. His use of angles were razor sharp, cutting off ballhandlers and deterring their paths to the rim/painted areas; he absorbed contact well and forced multiple tough, contested 2s.
He didn’t try to gamble as much as he did at Louisville, but he wasn’t afraid to get into the ballhandler’s jersey. His foot speed and instincts were also very good.
Most importantly, though, Conwell’s motor was elite. At times, he would get clipped on screens. But he showcased multiple efforts — both on- and off-ball — to fight around them, and tried his best to get skinny and close that space between his man and the screener.
Like Kasparas Jakucionis last summer, he didn’t let his offense — which wasn’t always perfect — affect his defense and the rest of his game. The Heat were better on both ends with Conwell on the court. Even though it’s Summer League, those skills will translate.
Keep an eye out for Tre White:
Skinny: White only played the final two games, but he’s a name I’m keeping an eye on for a potential two-way spot.
The former Kansas Jayhawk averaged 13.5 points on 47.1 percent shooting and 42.9 percent from 3-point range, burying three of his seven long-range attempts.
White took a significant stride in his jump shooting as a senior at Kansas, knocking down 40.3 percent of his 4.0 triple tries per game. That carried over. His release and ball arc both looked good; his off-ball relocation and in-between touch were also quite encouraging at his size. Defensively, even though he still needs to get stronger, White held his own defending both wing positions.
He was also active on the glass, finishing 10th on the team in total rebounds despite playing one fewer game.
White did whatever was required of him; he was one of their better connectors in the 50 minutes he played. Miami likes those kinds of players. If he continues this play this way in Las Vegas, look for him to secure a two-way — whether it’s with the Heat or someone else.
The arrow is pointing up for Vlad Goldin, but by how much?:
Skinny: Let me know if you’ve heard this one before: A second-year player did well in Summer League. If Goldin didn’t play well, that would’ve been quite concerning.
In his two games, Goldin averaged 10.0 points and 6.5 rebounds. Most importantly, however, he was a consistent deterrent around the rim, rejecting six shots. While he’s still relegated to playing a deep-er drop (with some soft hedges), Goldin’s foot speed looked improved. The 7-footer looked more nimble when moving both North-South and more East-West.
The arrow is pointing up. Although I am still dubious that he should be one of the Heat’s two-ways when the team begins training camp this fall. His touch around the rim is quite poor; he’s not strong enough against 4s/5s; he’s not a good enough rebounder at his size quite yet. His best skills are his shot-blocking, screening and his overall feel for the game.
Those aren’t bad traits to have, but he doesn’t excel at one particular area, even though his rim protection was quite good in this small sample.
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