Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent is far more than just a backup

Nothing has come easy for Gabe Vincent. You only need to check out his numbers from earlier this season to appreciate just how far he has come.

With prime Miami Heat free-agent signing Kyle Lowry coming on board, Vincent’s overall playing time was incredibly sporadic to commence the year, which was his second full season with the Heat, and his first on a guaranteed contract, having initially arrived on a two-way deal.

Through the opening 11 games of the season, the former undrafted guard out of UC Santa Barbara averaged just 1.9 points, which included a 1-of-12 overall return from three-point range.

But upon returning home from an early Heat west coast road trip, and with the absence of Lowry from the lineup, Vincent had a breakout performance, notching 13 points and three three-pointers as the Heat blew out the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite Lowry’s return the following night, Vincent kept his spot in the rotation and has not looked back since.

Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent is far more than just a backup

Over the ensuing 19 games before being placed in COVID protocols, Vincent scored in double figures on 13 occasions, including back-to-back returns of 26 and 27 points in a starting role in the absence of Lowry. In fact, Vincent started in nine consecutive games during this span, and by the season’s end, he had started 27 times.

This experience has come to fruition in a major way this postseason. With the 36-year-old Lowry experiencing recurring hamstring issues, Vincent has been plugged into the starting lineup and certainly has not disappointed.

In the opening round against the Atlanta Hawks, Vincent had plenty of defensive duties on Trae Young, with the explosive All-Star shooting just 4-of-15 when defended by Vincent, per NBA Stats. In the following round, the Philadelphia 76ers and emerging guard Tyrese Maxey managed just 6-of-19 shooting when defended by the Heat’s latest undrafted gem.

Thus far, the Heat have a 7-0 record with Vincent as a starter, as the 6’3 combo guard has demonstrated his considerable growth at both ends off the floor. His latest efforts were as notable as any he’s posted to date.

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In addition to posting 17 points in Game 1 of their current series versus the Boston Celtics, Vincent also notched three blocked shots, joining Dwyane Wade as the only Heat guard to record at least three blocks in a Conference Finals game, per Stathead.

Just as impressively, the 25-year-old joined Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry as the only guards since 2000 to record at least 15 points, three blocks, and three triples in a Conference Finals game, per Stathead.

Following his Game One performance, head coach Erik Spoelstra commented on the growth Vincent has demonstrated over the course of the season:

"“I think the biggest part of his development is just making winning basketball plays, and not being what anybody might think he has to be. Whether that’s just as a gunslinger, whether that’s as a setup guy, or somebody to fill Kyle’s shoes….I know he doesn’t have extensive NBA experience….he’s not a 20-year-old, he’s a pro, and he’s earned a lot of confidence in the locker room.”"

Looking ahead in the series, not only has Lowry already been ruled out of Game 2, but the Celtics’ starting point guard and recently named Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, will be returning from injury for the opposition. In other words, Vincent is set to have even more on his plate for his impending contest.

But if there is one thing followers of the Miami Heat have learned, it’s that you underestimate Gabe Vincent at your peril. The outcome is bound to be a fascinating watch.