With the way he closed out his summer league stint, there’s a very real chance that Vlad Goldin could be the ideal backup center for Bam Adebayo (and Kel’el Ware) that the Miami Heat has been looking for. If he can continue to build off his summer momentum, there’s no question he’ll have a shot in training camp to win the spot.

Shortly after the 2025 NBA Draft, the Heat wasted little time in signing Vlad Goldin to a two-way contract. It was clear that Miami was keeping a close eye on Goldin as a potential fit, and when it was clear he wasn’t going to get drafted, they capitalized on the opportunity.

In his final summer league game, Goldin finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks. He also hit the team’s game-winning shot in the final seconds of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks to seal a 93-92 victory.

All throughout summer league, Goldin managed to show flashes of potential. It was great to see him somewhat put it all together during the Heat’s final game. And as the summer league comes to an end, you can’t help but wonder what may lie ahead for the 7-foot-1 center.

Could Goldin be the Heat’s answer as a backup center?

Of course, the big question will revolve around whether Goldin could emerge as the team’s backup center this season. While there’s still a lot he’ll have to prove, and certainly in training camp and in pre-season, against NBA players, there’s at least a chance that can be the case.

For as productive and impactful as he was during summer league, it would be foolish not to consider him a candidate to emerge as the team’s answer behind Bam and Ware.

Being on a two-way contract certainly complicates everything, considering he can only play in 50 regular-season games for the Heat. I suppose they could always convert his contract to a standard one, especially if they continue to have an open roster spot, but that would be something that almost certainly comes late in the season if Goldin continues to prove his worth to the team.

One thing is clear, though. How Goldin has managed to pop during the summer league shouldn’t be overlooked or minimized.

He certainly has the talent and collegiate pedigree to develop into a true rotation player in the NBA one day. And with a huge need in the frontcourt, carving out that role on the Heat seems like a safe bet.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Goldin will emerge as a rotation piece for the Heat at some point in the future. The question is, will that come this season or beyond?