Georges-Hunt begins Heat homecoming

NEW YORK —Just look at it as Miami Heat guard Marcus Georges-Hunt returning to where it all started.

When the Heat signed Georges-Hunt to a 10-day contract earlier this week, it was the beginning of a homecoming. He was born and raised in South Florida for 10 years before moving to Georgia.

During his time locally, Georges-Hunt grew up a fan of the Heat and the Miami Hurricanes.

“I was really into college basketball,” Georges-Hunt said. “I was on the UM campus a lot. Miami has been part of me and I still have a lot of family down there.”

Georges-Hunt played at Georgia Tech from 2012-16 but said it was a tough decision over Miami. He was offered a scholarship by former UM coach Frank Haith. There was still interest even after Haith took the job at Missouri in 2011.

Georges-Hunt remained in communication with new UM coach Jim Larranaga.

“I liked coach Larranaga,” Georges-Hunt said. “At the time, Frank Haith recruited me. Then he left but when Larranaga came in my offer was still on the table. They were in my top [five] coming out of high school. It was a close decision but it came down to Georgia Tech.”

The Heat are hoping the 6-foot-5 Georges-Hunt can become their next NBDL sensation, joining Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson and Rodney McGruder. After going undrafted, Georges-Hunt had been playing for the Boston Celtics’ DLeague affiliate in Maine.

His situation changed the moment he received a phone call from Adam Simon, the Heat’s assistant general manager. Simon also oversees operations for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

“I was in shock because I didn’t see it coming,” Georges-Hunt.

The addition of Georges-Hunt was a necessity, with Josh Richardson and Dion Waiters recovering from ankle injuries. Richardson will miss his 16th consecutive game when the Heat face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Waiters is out for a second consecutive game.

“Right now [GeorgesHunt] has to fit in, fast track in the moments in between,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Our staff will take care of him before and after every shootaround, practice, have film sessions. He’s fine … You have to adjust very quickly. A lot of different personnel comes in and out of that league. You have to be able to adjust on the fly.”

Thus far, the transition has gone smooth. Friday was his first official practice with the team.

“The coach has done a great job welcoming me and the players have, too,” Georges-Hunt said. “I just want to pick up what they want me to.”

Waiters recovering

Waiters will miss his second consecutive game because of a sprained ankle.

He did not go through the morning shootaround in preparation for Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Spoelstra said he was unsure whether Waiters will play Saturday versus the Philadelphia 76ers.

“We’ll see,” Spoelstra said. “I’m encouraged by the progress he’s made the last two days. It was swollen after the game, the next day it swelled up a little bit more but now the swelling is almost all removed.”

Williams solid in Cavs debut

Former Heat forward Derrick Williams had an impressive debut in his first game with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After signing a 10-day contract, he scored 12 points on 3 of 3 shooting in 22 minutes in Thursday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I was happy for him,” Spoelstra said. “We texted before the game. I sent him a congratulations after, even though they lost. It was good to see. So much of this league is about preparing yourself mentally and physical to being in top shape and then be ready for the right opportunity at the right time and hopefully this is what that it.”

The Heat waived Williams on Monday to make room for Okaro White, who was signed for the remainder of the season. Williams, who was acquired last offseason via free agency, made 11 starts in 26 appearances for the Heat. He averaged 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds on 39 percent shooting but eventually fell out of the rotation.