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The Miami Heat went 2-1 in the 2026 California Classic. (Mandatory Credit: Lachlan Cunningham\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe Miami Heat went 2-1 in the 2026 California Classic. (Mandatory Credit: Lachlan Cunningham\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
But before we dig into that, what were three takeaways from the California Classic?<\/p>\n
Ryan Conwell knows how to score, but another area of his game stuck out:<\/p>\n
Skinny: The Heat\u2019s No. 37 overall draft choice was their best player in San Francisco.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t always efficient, shooting just 40.9 percent from the floor and 32.1 percent from deep (9-28).<\/p>\n
However, another area of his game stuck out the most: His defense, specifically at the point-of-attack.<\/p>\n
Conwell wasn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t try to gamble as much as he did at Louisville, but he wasn\u2019t afraid to get into the ballhandler\u2019s jersey. His foot speed and instincts were also very good.<\/p>\n
Most importantly, though, Conwell\u2019s motor was elite. At times, he would get clipped on screens. But he showcased multiple efforts \u2014 both on- and off-ball \u2014 to fight around them, and tried his best to get skinny and close that space between his man and the screener.<\/p>\n
Like Kasparas Jakucionis last summer, he didn\u2019t let his offense \u2014 which wasn\u2019t always perfect \u2014 affect his defense and the rest of his game. The Heat were better on both ends with Conwell on the court. Even though it\u2019s Summer League, those skills will translate.<\/p>\n
Keep an eye out for Tre White:<\/p>\n
Skinny: White only played the final two games, but he\u2019s a name I\u2019m keeping an eye on for a potential two-way spot.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He was also active on the glass, finishing 10th on the team in total rebounds despite playing one fewer game.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 whether it\u2019s with the Heat or someone else.<\/p>\n
The arrow is pointing up for Vlad Goldin, but by how much?:<\/p>\n
Skinny: Let me know if you\u2019ve heard this one before: A second-year player did well in Summer League. If Goldin didn\u2019t play well, that would\u2019ve been quite concerning.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s still relegated to playing a deep-er drop (with some soft hedges), Goldin\u2019s foot speed looked improved. The 7-footer looked more nimble when moving both North-South and more East-West.<\/p>\n
The arrow is pointing up. Although I am still dubious that he should be one of the Heat\u2019s two-ways when the team begins training camp this fall. His touch around the rim is quite poor; he\u2019s not strong enough against 4s\/5s; he\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
Those aren\u2019t bad traits to have, but he doesn\u2019t excel at one particular area, even though his rim protection was quite good in this small sample.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
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