With the Miami Heat having pushed back giving up their first round selection to the Philadelphia 76ers by at least another year, the decision on who will be around for the No. 10 selection now takes center stage for Pat Riley and Co.
The drafting drama was one of the remnants of bringing LeBron James’ talents to South Beach for four seasons, a selection which the Cleveland Cavaliers then sent along to the Sixers. The deal was crafted in 2010, with the Heat sending a first rounder for 2015 that was protected if it was in the top 10. That same provision exists next year, but by 2017, any protection disappears.
Five names figure to still be around when it’s time for the Heat to select on June 25, so it’s time to take a look at what they can offer.
1. Devin Booker (SG) – Kentucky
It’s possible that it might be too soon to choose one of John Calipari’s latest stable of freshmen that came up short after going undefeated for most of the season. However, Booker’s shooting touch, especially from beyond the three-point circle, can be deadly. Plus, despite the fact that he won’t turn 19 until the NBA season starts, the 6’6″ shooting guard brings a mature approach to the game, which means he’s not prone to taking wild shots or turning the ball over. One thing’s for sure is that the Heat need to begin preparing for the post-Dwyane Wade era at some point, making Booker a highly viable candidate.
Next: Mario Hezonja
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2. Mario Hezonja (SG) – Croatia
If the Heat are looking for some added international flavor, Hezonja might be the perfect addition to the recipe. He’s big enough (6’8″) to also see time at small forward, though his lean frame might not see that come to fruition for a few years. Another strong three-point shooter, Hezonja also has the athleticism to develop his game even further, which is saying something since he caught the attention of scouts as a 14-year-old. Right now, his only apparent weakness might be on defense, but like most international players, his fundamentals are strong.
Next: Stanley Johnson
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3. Stanley Johnson (SF) – Arizona
Johnson is a player who’s built himself up into someone who can battle for boards, while also being able to draw defenses out with his prowess from long range. He also might be the best defender in this quintet, but he struggled in the Wildcats’ final three games in the NCAA Tournament. Also, as good as he can be from beyond the three-point line, he has had his fair share of trouble finishing in the paint. One other potential fly in the ointment is that he sometimes loses focus as a defender, but depending on the vibe the Heat get from potential free agent Luol Deng, Johnson may end up being someone who could replace him.
Next: Kelly Oubre
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4. Kelly Oubre (SF) – Kansas
Entering last season, Oubre was taking the departed Andrew Wiggins’ spot, but his up-and-down season has likely dropped him from a potential top five choice into a nebulous area that could have him falling deeper. He’s got the raw talent to make his mark in the NBA, which might make him a good candidate for a team that can afford to let him develop. He brings a solid rebounding foundation with him, coupled with defensive skills that can only improve the more he plays. Consistency is something he’ll need to focus on developing.
Next: Myles Turner
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5. Myles Turner (C) – Texas
Given the health situation of Chris Bosh, the shaky dependability (or lack thereof) of Hassan Whiteside, and the fact that Chris Andersen will be 37 in July, finding someone in this vital area could make Turner the most likely pick. He’s a seven-footer with a good shooting touch, who brings an obvious presence in the paint. Still there are fears by some teams that his running mechanics could lead to injuries down the road. That could put him in the same realm as players like former Heat player Greg Oden, who was a shell of the potential player that was selected with the top pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
Getting back to the postseason could require an overhaul of the Heat roster, depending on what happens with point guard Goran Dragic and Deng. Both could conceivably be gone, which then means hoping that the Heat can somehow lure a few quality free agents to take their place.
That’s why getting it right on their first round selection is so important for Miami. The best case scenario is that they’re supplementing the return of Dragic and Deng with this choice, while the worst case is coming up dry come free agent time after picking the wrong player.
Those factors coincide with the return of Josh McRoberts and Bosh, the latter being the more delicate situation since it’s far from a standard basketball ailment. Throw in the ever-shaky health status of Wade and bringing in a talent who can contribute immediately would inject some badly-needed momentum for the 2015-16 campaign. Now all the Heat have to do is make the right call.
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