Chris Silva has become a pleasant surprise for the Miami Heat.
He initially signed a two-way contract with the Heat after going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft.
He has finally worked his way up to signing a full two year contract with the Heat.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1217488712256360448?s=20
So how did Silva emerge as a hidden gem?
Silva is easily one of the best Gamecock basketball players of all time.
He was an integral part of the final four run in 2017. Silva also earned the SEC Co-Defensive player of the year in 2018.
He had some concerns heading into the NBA. Silva was a very aggressive player who would get into foul trouble and would have inconsistent games.
Nevertheless, Silva was a player no South Carolina fan could forget. He overcame the challenge of moving from Gabon at the age of 16 and became a star.
Heat rookie Chris Silva hadn't seen his mother in three years … until the Heat and Adam Silver made it happen with this emotional reunion ❤
— ESPN (@espn) December 28, 2019
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/gj8Ugbmflp
Silva moved on to the Miami Heat and became the first South Carolina basketball player to have meaningful minutes in the NBA.
He still lives off the bench, but he always proves himself as a valuable player.
His debut was on October 23 when he put up eight points, six rebounds and three blocks against the Grizzlies.
Silva is only averaging 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds off the bench, but his player efficiency rating is 18.4. The league average is 15.
Silva officially signed his contract last Wednesday. The contract is a minimum contract, but it includes a third year team option.
Silva has been an exciting player to watch, and his future is bright for an undrafted player.
One thing is for certain: Frank Martin knows how to develop a player like Silva.
I really hope he gets a starting role in the next two years because he is easily one of my favorite Gamecock basketball alumni.