Miami Heat assistant coach Keith Smart stopped by for an inspirational visit during the team's practice in Sacramento on Friday.
Smart left the Heat to undergo treatment for skin cancer in January, which marked the second time he was forced to leave the bench. The form of skin cancer that Smart suffers from is considered to be rare and has required radiation. The veteran coach has been undergoing the treatment in San Francisco which allowed him to more easily stop by Sacramento for the visit.
The Heat posted a picture on Twitter showing the team gathered around Smart, as they saw their coach for the first time in several months.
Assistant Coach Keith Smart joined the team this morning and provided a few inspirational words after shootaround. pic.twitter.com/LK3JRFRVXV — Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 1, 2016
While Smart's words to the team have not been released, his message was clearly well received and appreciated by the team.
"It was the perfect boost for the team. His positive personality is great after going through something like that," said head coach Erik Spoelstra.
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Smart spoke with the media following the visit and offered an update on his progress. The coach appeared to be in good spirits and discussed his experience of undergoing treatment n a short video provided by the Sun-Sentinel.
The hope is that Smart will be able to return to Miami's bench for a potential playoff series. Smart brings a wealth of experience to the bench and can only help in the team's quest for a long playoff run.
Miami will continue to try and make a playoff push on Friday night against the Sacramento Kings at 10 p.m.
