McGruder to play 2 for Skyforce

MIAMI — After being sidelined all season, Rodney McGruder understands jumping right back onto the court for an NBA game is a daunting proposition, as much as he’d like to do that.

So the Heat forward is hoping his two-game stint with the Heat’s GLeague affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, will help him get back into the kind of basketball shape he needs to be in as the Heat prepare for their final 24 games, games that will likely determine their postseason plans.

McGruder, who underwent preseason leg surgery after breaking his tibia, is set to join the Skyforce in Los Angeles for games there today and Monday. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he expects McGruder will also get in a couple practices with the Skyforce, helping further get McGruder into condition and ready to join the Heat as soon as next week.

McGruder went through a full practice Thursday before the Heat traveled to New Orleans for tonight’s game against the Pelicans.

“We’ll see how those games go, but this is one of the points and benefits of running your own GLeague team, to be able to develop players at all levels, including guys coming back from injury,” Spoelstra said.

McGruder, who appeared in 78 games and started 65 of them for the Heat last season, started five preseason games before the injury sidelined him. To that point, he’d been averaging 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 22.3 minutes while shooting 52 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range.

His impending return should give the Heat a boost as they look to continue their push up the Eastern Conference standings.

“I feel like we have it all. I feel like I can bring extra energy and just be a great teammate out there and just bring life to the guys on the court and just be the best teammate I can be,” McGruder said. “I believe everything happens the way it’s supposed to. You just believe in that everything just falls into place. You can’t control every moment of your life. So you just got to let things happen the way they’re supposed to and if you prepare yourself for any given moment you’re able to thrive in that moment.” will be wearing patches on their uniforms honoring the victims of last week’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Thursday, several players — including

whose father was murdered in Philadelphia — said the tribute was just one small sign of support for the Parkland victims and survivors and said they hope to get more involved in the coming weeks.

“There’s no one thing you can say. All you can do is say you’re there to support them and you’re not by yourself,” said Ellinton. “It's going to take time, but stay strong.”

Wayne Ellington,