The Miami heat are gearing up for a pivotal 2025-26 NBA season, facing a challenging start with their cornerstone center, Bam Adebayo, a five-time All-Defensive Team selection, leading the charge. Adding to the complexity, their emerging star, Tyler Herro, a 2025 All-Star, is expected to be sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to injury.
Amidst these uncertainties, the preseason offered the franchise a valuable opportunity to evaluate its promising young talent and potential roster additions. In a move that raised eyebrows, the Heat’s front office reportedly signed Steve Settle III, a forward from Temple University, on Tuesday.
However, the tenure of the 6-foot-10 dual-contract forward with the team proved to be exceptionally brief. Reports indicate that the institution quickly opted for a change in direction.
The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang reported on X Thursday night, stating, The Heat announce they have released forward Steve Settle III to add guard Bez mbeng.
Mbeng, a standout from Yale University, brings an impressive defensive pedigree, having been named Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year three times during his four-year collegiate career. This signing keeps the Heat’s preseason roster at its maximum of 21 players.
Remarkably, just 48 hours after his introduction as a new member of the Heat, Settle III was waived, making way for the former yale star. This rapid turnover highlights the competitive nature of NBA roster construction.
While Mbeng’s defensive prowess aligns perfectly with the renowned “Heat Culture,” a ideology that emphasizes grit and defensive intensity, Settle III was not afforded the chance to showcase his potential impact on both ends of the floor. This is particularly noteworthy given the Heat’s history of developing overlooked talent.
During his senior campaign at Temple in the 2024-25 season,Settle III demonstrated his capabilities as an efficient and skilled scorer. His game featured impressive ball-handling for his size. In 31 appearances, he averaged 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks,while also connecting on an encouraging 41.6% of his three-point attempts.
Even though the former Temple forward may not have received a fair evaluation with the heat, it is indeed highly probable that he could find a new home with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G-League affiliate, in the near future. This pathway is common for players seeking to continue their progress and possibly earn another NBA opportunity.
