Josh Christopher, Summer League Finals MVP, has officially joined the Miami Heat, marking an impressive chapter in his career.
The Miami Heat have announced the signing of former first-round pick Josh Christopher to a two-way contract, leading to the waiver of Zyon Pullin. Christopher made a significant impact during the Heat’s Summer League stint, earning the Summer League Finals MVP title by leading the team with 24 points and hitting six of 10 attempts from deep to clinch the championship.
Overall, Christopher averaged 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and two steals per game, shooting 54.1 percent from the field and 52.5 percent from three-point range during the Summer League. The 22-year-old, previously selected 24th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2021, found his stride with Miami, stating that “Heat Culture just brought the best out of me.”
“I’ve been able to play basketball for a long time,” Christopher shared with Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. “But I think this Heat culture thing just brought the best out of me. I don’t think I’ve had a series of games better than this in my life, honestly.”
The “Unseen Hours” Pay Off for Christopher
Joining other Summer League standouts Keshad Johnson and Dru Smith on two-way contracts, Christopher’s success is credited to the “unseen hours” he dedicated to improving his craft. Heat Summer League head coach Dan Bisaccio praised Christopher’s hard work, which led to his standout performances in Las Vegas.
“This is a microcosm of all the work that he’s done behind the scenes,” Bisaccio said. “A lot of that is what they call those unseen hours that you do either in the gym alone late at night or you’re working with a strength coach.”
Adapting to the Heat’s Needs
Christopher, a product of Arizona State, could be a valuable asset for the Heat if he continues to develop into a reliable scorer and improves his defensive skills, a focus he has acknowledged. His enhanced shooting from deep aligns with Miami’s strategy, and Bisaccio emphasized his willingness to do whatever is necessary for the team.
“He showed up in May with a willingness to just do whatever is necessary,” Bisaccio said via The Miami Herald. “So obviously he had some opportunities, he was drafted in the first round. From there, unfortunately, he goes to the G League and we were very fortunate to pick him up. As soon as he showed up to Sioux Falls with [coach Kasib Powell], he said: ‘What can I do to get better? How can I impact the game?’
Bisaccio continued, “He could have easily said, ‘Well, I’m a first-round draft pick. I should be doing this or this. Maybe this didn’t work out and it’s not my fault.’ He had that willingness to grow and get better, and we’re going to continue to challenge him.”
Other Heat Summer League Standouts Without Contracts
Regarding Pullin, he was signed to a two-way contract as an undrafted free agent from the University of Florida but averaged only 5.3 points, 1.0 rebound, 1.7 assists, and 0.2 steals per game in six games in Las Vegas.
The Heat also have other notable Summer League performers like Alondes Williams and Cole Swider, whose futures with the team remain uncertain. Miami aims to improve after finishing with the eighth seed for the second straight season and having a brief run in the NBA Playoffs.
Christopher’s addition brings fresh hope and talent to the Heat, bolstering their lineup alongside stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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