The Miami Heat finalized their roster on Saturday when they waived five players including Beno Udrih.
In addition to Udrih, Miami sent Vashil Fernandez, Luis Montero, Brianté Weber and Okaro White packing. With the moves, Miami now has 15 players on its active roster which is the NBA maximum.
Heading into the preseason, Udrih was considered a favorite to win a bench spot. The veteran turned away international advances to return to Miami after having his 2015-16 season cut short due to injury. Udrih played well at times in the preseason, but the team ultimately decided to go in another direction.
The beneficiary of Saturday's moves was Rodney McGruder. The guard made Miami's roster after being considered a bubble player early on. McGruder impressed the coaching staff, but figures to see limited time in the rotation at the start. McGruder went undrafted and has never suited up for an NBA regular season game.
Weber was seen as a contender for a roster spot, but fell short in a game of numbers. Weber saw plenty of time during the exhibition schedule for the Heat, while playing in every game. It is possible a sluggish finish to the preseason may have hurt Weber's roster chances.
Montero, Fernandez and White were never seen as likely choices for Miami, but were around in case of injury. None of the players were on the court much for the Heat during the preseason and therefore accumulated very little production.
The Heat will open the season on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic.
