Miami forward Myron Gardner will miss the remainder of off-season competition after spraining his left ankle seven minutes into Friday’s California Classic opener, the Heat confirmed. The 25-year-old was sent back to Miami for treatment and will not play in the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League.
Gardner, a Summer League standout last year, parlayed that performance into a two-way contract before securing a standard deal in February. He appeared in 45 regular-season games as a rookie, averaging 3.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9.1 minutes. “He was going to have a great Summer League,” head coach Wayne Ellington said. “It’s tough, but he’ll still get chances to show his growth.”
Keshad Johnson’s status
Keshad Johnson, 25, did not receive a qualifying offer and is an unrestricted free agent. He was spotted with Miami’s California Classic squad in San Francisco, and there is a chance he joins the Las Vegas roster, though he did not practice Wednesday.
Antetokounmpo changes number
Newly acquired star Giannis Antetokounmpo has elected to wear No. 7 instead of his customary No. 34. The Heat began selling No. 34 jerseys shortly after Monday’s trade but halted sales about seven hours later. Fans who purchased the incorrect jersey can exchange it for the updated version.
Second-round pick Ryan Conwell had been assigned No. 7 but will switch to No. 4. “Giannis, he gets whatever he wants,” Conwell said. “I’m just coming into the league, and I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Hardaway Jr. to wear retired No. 10
Contrary to earlier reports, free-agent signee Tim Hardaway Jr. will don his father’s retired No. 10 jersey. During Wednesday’s introductory press conference, the guard said seeing the number in the rafters gave him “a superpower” when visiting Miami. Joining forces with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, he added, was “a no-brainer” because his shooting can create space for the two stars.
Source: Hoops Rumors
