Vlad Goldin’s Path to the Heat
Goldin, a Russian center, began his basketball journey in the United States during high school in Putnam, Connecticut, before moving on to college basketball. He spent his freshman year at Texas Tech, appearing in 10 games. He then transferred to Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where he spent three seasons and developed into a key contributor for the program.
During his final year at FAU, Goldin played 37 games, averaging 25.0 minutes per game while shooting 67.3 percent from the field. He posted 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. In the 2024-25 season, he transferred to the University of Michigan, where he started all 37 games and averaged 27.5 minutes, 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. His standout performance earned him First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025.
Goldin went undrafted in 2025 but found a favorable path with an organization known for its development system. He appeared in 10 games for the Heat’s main roster and played 24 games in the NBA G League during the season with Sioux Falls, posting averages of 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
In the G League, Goldin showed versatility and potential as a big man who can protect the rim and contribute around the basket. The Heat’s decision to sign him to a two-way contract indicates a continued investment in his development, with opportunities to spend time with the NBA team and the G League affiliate as part of one of the league’s most respected player-development pipelines.
As Goldin returns to the organization, the Heat are prioritizing depth in the frontcourt and cultivating internal options for future growth. The two-way contract structure allows the team to monitor his progression closely while providing him with a clear path to NBA minutes if his development continues on an upward trajectory.
Overall, Goldin’s journey reflects a persistent climb through collegiate basketball to reach the pro level, culminating in a renewed opportunity with the Miami Heat to expand his role and potential impact on the roster.
