The Miami Heat have long been known for their ability to identify hidden gems and turn them into valuable contributors under the right development environment. Head coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley have created a culture that emphasizes toughness, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of growth. It’s within that framework that the franchise may have found its next intriguing project, one that could eventually mirror or even surpass what Duncan Robinson brought to the team during his rise to prominence. That project is none other than D’Moi Hodge Stevenson—a sharpshooter with ideal spacing skills and the potential to thrive next to star center Bam Adebayo.
In the past, the Heat have struck gold with undrafted or overlooked players. Duncan Robinson is perhaps the most notable example, going from an undrafted long-range specialist out of Michigan to one of the premier three-point threats in the NBA. His ability to stretch the floor created more space for Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler to operate in the paint. However, Robinson’s minutes have fluctuated in recent seasons due to defensive limitations and inconsistency, and the Heat have been looking for someone who can deliver that same type of shooting but with possibly better upside in terms of overall two-way impact. Enter Stevenson, who seems to fit that mold well—at least as a project.
D’Moi Hodge Stevenson might not yet be a household name, but his performance in the Las Vegas Summer League has turned heads and caught the attention of the Miami Heat front office. In his first four games, Stevenson has averaged 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting an impressive 48.7% from the field and an eye-popping 54.5% from beyond the arc. In a league where floor spacing has become essential, especially for bigs like Adebayo who operate primarily inside the arc, having a perimeter threat like Stevenson opens up endless possibilities.
Bam Adebayo has evolved into a complete two-way player, widely regarded as one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. Offensively, he’s continued to expand his game as a playmaker from the high post, someone capable of dribble-handoffs, initiating fast breaks, and facilitating from the elbows. Yet, his game still relies heavily on spacing around him. The Heat have tried various combinations, some more successful than others, to alleviate defensive pressure on Adebayo by surrounding him with shooters. While Duncan Robinson once filled that role perfectly, his effectiveness has waned. Injuries and declining defensive contributions have rendered him expendable in the Heat’s long-term calculus. That makes Stevenson’s signing especially notable.
What separates Stevenson from other summer league hopefuls is not just his shooting stroke but his poise. He doesn’t appear rushed or panicked when defenders close out. He’s comfortable shooting off the catch, pulling up from distance, and relocating without the ball—traits that Robinson once brought at a high level but now struggles to replicate consistently. Moreover, Stevenson brings a sense of physicality and defensive willingness that could make him more versatile in Miami’s switch-heavy defensive schemes. Even though he’s still raw in some aspects of the game, his energy, decision-making, and shot discipline indicate that Spoelstra and the development staff will have something meaningful to mold.
Stevenson’s strengths align well with Spoelstra’s preferences. Spoelstra has always valued players who can defend multiple positions, move off the ball intelligently, and knock down perimeter shots under pressure. While many shooters can thrive in structured offenses, few can adapt to the improvisational, read-and-react system the Heat frequently employ. That’s why Spoelstra’s coaching is so instrumental—he doesn’t just coach to a player’s strengths, he expands them. If Stevenson is coachable and willing to grind through the G-League and back-end NBA minutes, he could end up being more than just a summer league story.
The other critical aspect of this signing is what it says about Miami’s broader philosophy. Rather than chase expensive, big-name shooters in free agency who may not fit the Heat’s culture or cap structure, they continue to bet on internal development and high-upside prospects. This approach has helped the Heat reach two NBA Finals in the past five seasons despite not having multiple lottery picks or superstars. They maximize what they have and build around Adebayo and Butler with smart, cost-effective decisions. Signing Stevenson follows that same formula. He may not be the finished product today, but he gives them a versatile tool to shape into a rotational piece who can complement Adebayo.
There’s also the timing factor. The Heat’s roster is in flux after a disappointing end to the 2024–2025 season. With rumors swirling about potential trades, including names like Tyler Herro or Kyle Lowry being dangled for cap flexibility or to improve the team’s two-way balance, the franchise is preparing for a shift in direction. Whether that direction involves a youth movement or simply a retooling to better support their current stars remains unclear. However, moves like signing Stevenson show that Miami is still hunting for players who can help immediately or soon, even if their names aren’t in headlines yet.
For Bam Adebayo, the presence of another capable shooter changes the floor geometry he operates within. In half-court settings, defenders often collapse on Adebayo in the post, daring Miami’s wings to hit from outside. This pressure has limited Bam’s ability to finish cleanly or make precise reads. Adding a shooter who commands gravity changes all of that. If Stevenson proves he can hit from deep at even 40% in real NBA action, he becomes a floor spacer defenses must honor. That means less double-teams on Bam, more opportunities to face up and drive, and cleaner passing lanes when facilitating from the elbow or top of the key.
But this opportunity goes both ways. For Stevenson, Miami may be the perfect place to realize his potential. The Heat have a well-documented history of extracting the most from undrafted or overlooked players. The franchise invests heavily in development, film study, and role clarity. That means Stevenson won’t be guessing what he’s supposed to do on the court. His role, whether off the bench or in hybrid units with Bam, will be clearly defined: knock down open shots, defend with effort, and understand Miami’s rotations.
What makes this signing even more compelling is that it didn’t take a multi-year deal or any splashy press conference to make it impactful. Miami thrives in these margins. Their stars may carry the headlines, but the bench players and developmental signings are often the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run. Robinson, Max Strus, and Gabe Vincent were once just summer league footnotes, too. They all grew into pivotal playoff contributors. Stevenson, if he follows the same blueprint, could become another in a long line of Miami success stories.
This isn’t to suggest Stevenson is guaranteed to succeed or even make the regular-season roster. The NBA is filled with hopefuls who flash brilliance in July only to fade by November. But Miami’s development program is as real as it gets, and when a player shows elite shooting mechanics combined with positional awareness and defensive buy-in, it’s hard not to see a legitimate path forward.
The most significant reason for optimism, though, is how seamlessly Stevenson could fit into the Heat’s offensive and defensive frameworks. Offensively, he’s already demonstrated his shooting range and catch-and-shoot ability. Defensively, he’s not yet elite, but he shows fight—he doesn’t give up on plays, and he has a solid frame that could allow him to defend wings credibly. Spoelstra and his staff thrive on coaching effort and attention to detail, and that bodes well for Stevenson’s continued development.
