Former Miami Heat Players Max Strus and Gabe Vincent Maintain Strong Bond
Brotherhood Prevails as Vincent Hosts Basketball Camp
Max Strus and Gabe Vincent may have moved on from the Miami Heat, but their camaraderie remains unbreakable. Vincent recently organized a basketball camp, and Strus made a surprise appearance, showing his unwavering support as seen on his Instagram story.
Both 27-year-olds have embarked on remarkable journeys in the NBA. Despite going undrafted, they have defied the odds and achieved success at the professional level.
Vincent initially tested his skills in the G League, where he showcased his exceptional potential. Impressed by his performance, the Heat front office signed him to a two-way contract during the 2019-20 season. Since then, the University of California, Santa Barbara alumnus has steadily carved out a significant role in Miami’s rotation.
In the 2021-22 season, Vincent emerged as a part-time starter for the Heat, featuring in 27 out of 68 regular season games and eight out of 18 playoff games. His outstanding contributions led to a promotion as a full-time starter in last season’s playoffs.
On the other hand, Strus made his NBA debut with the Chicago Bulls in the 2019-20 season, not donning a Heat uniform. Coincidentally, his first NBA match was against Miami. Despite this, Strus displayed unwavering dedication to his craft, earning a two-way contract with the Heat in the 2020-21 campaign. His exceptional outside shooting skills secured him a spot in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.
Both former Heat players played pivotal roles in the franchise’s journey to the NBA Finals in the 2022-23 season. Their contributions were instrumental in Miami’s victories against formidable opponents such as the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. Unfortunately for the Heat, their exceptional performances also caught the attention of their current teams, serving as auditions for their new contracts.
While Miami would have undoubtedly preferred to retain Strus and Vincent, the organization faced financial constraints due to the substantial contracts they secured with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively.
As the Heat grapple with the loss of two playoff starters, the franchise’s focus now shifts towards acquiring a prominent player like Damian Lillard. The future remains uncertain, and Miami’s approach to filling the void left by Strus and Vincent is yet to be revealed.
