The Miami Heat have been able to develop talent from all walks of NBA life into becoming serviceable, reliable pieces of contending rotations, and they'll take on another challenge by signing a uniquely skilled forward from Temple University.
According to a recent announcement from the organization, Miami's front office decided to make room for their newest signing by waiving a member of their preseason squad, Gabe Madsen, in the process.
"Your Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward Steve Settle III," Heat PR shared on Tuesday.
"Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed."
"Settle III started in all 31 games he appeared in last season at Temple and averaged 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.00 steals, 1.00 blocks and 33.2 minutes while shooting 47.8 percent from the field, 41.6 percent from three-point range and 73.6 percent from the foul line."
"Madsen appeared in two preseason games with the HEAT, totaling nine points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals."
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While it might sting for the Heat to let go of Madsen, the University of Utah's all-time leader in three-pointers made (315), Steve Settle III could become an underrated pickup.
As a senior for Temple University in 2024-25, the 6-foot-10 forward shot a blistering 41.6% from three-point range on 3.6 attempts while also compiling an impressive 0.6 defensive box plus-minus.
Settle III's 1.0-steal and 1.0-block averages from his senior campaign could also signal that Miami's legendary head coach Erik Spoesltra might be able to work with the lanky, but mobile big.
On the offensive end, Settle III showed off an impressive handle for his size and clear ability to score on all levels in the half-court, making him an imposing threat for opposing defenses from all areas of the floor.
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