Scouting Report for Miami Heat Undrafted Free Agent Signing Vladislav Goldin
The Miami Heat have signed undrafted free agent Vladislav Goldin to a two-way deal.
Goldin was named first-team All-Big Ten and took home Big Ten Tournament MVP honors in 2025 after leading his team on a deep postseason run. He was also a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, given annually to the nation’s top center.
At the combine, Goldin measured 7'0" without shoes, which was the sixth-tallest mark among all participants. He also posted a 7'5.25" wingspan that tied for fourth.
Goldin combines physical strength with a productive inside game, including reliable touch around the basket and a knack for offensive rebounds.
He'll need to improve his perimeter mobility and conditioning to stay on the floor in the NBA, especially in switch-heavy defensive schemes. His long-term value will depend on how much defensive versatility he can add.
Goldin is ranked No. 60 on B/R NBA Draft expert Jonathan Wasserman’s 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
Previous Team: Michigan | Position: C | Height: 7'0" | Weight: 253 lbs | Age: 24 7'5.25" | Vertical: 30" | Wingspan: 7'5.25" | PPG: 16.6 | RPG: 7.0 | APG: 1.1 | BPG: 1.4 | FG%: 60.7 | 3PT%: 33.3
Realistic Pro Comparison: Jonas Valančiūnas
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Goldin projects to be a Jonas Valančiūnas-type prospect. He has a back-to-the-basket game to match his traditional center frame, but he also has soft hands and a natural touch around the rim.
Being a paint-bound big man can work in certain systems. Strength will always be a key strength of his, and it's not something he should shy away from.
However, entering the league without much versatility means Goldin must look to either evolve or become elite at his craft to earn the staying power in the league Valančiūnas now has.
Strengths
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- Strength
- Interior Scoring
- Offensive Rebounding
Goldin struggled at the NBA combine, but a few underwhelming scrimmages couldn't negate his NCAA impact/production in the eyes of scouts.
Teams looking to beef up their front lines had eyes for Goldin throughout this draft. His low-post scoring and physicality don't scream modern-day big, but he's still a skilled 7-footer with a 7'5.25" wingspan, and he's entering the league at a time when going big is starting to be trendy once again.
Weaknesses
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- Versatility
- Athleticism
- Perimeter Defense
Goldin will be a paint presence on both ends beacuse of his size, and particularly because of his strength. But his overall game lacks versatility, in that playing on the perimeter rarely feels like a smart play on either offense or defense.
Of course, part of that comes with generally lacking athleticism. And it's tough to say how much a 7-foot, 250-pound, 24-year-old can grow in that area.
But even focusing on extending his defense beyond the paint will do wonders to keep him on the floor, even if he never develops a shot beyond the mid-range on offense.
