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An early look at the Miami Heat’s NBA draft needs and targets

By Frank Urbina

Nov 25, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) dribbles the ball as North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs guard Kevin Vannatta (10) defends during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 95-57. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) dribbles the ball as North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs guard Kevin Vannatta (10) defends during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 95-57. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives to the basket as Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tracy Abrams (13) defends during the second half of the consolation game of the NIT Season Tip-Off at Barclays Center. Florida State won, 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives to the basket as Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tracy Abrams (13) defends during the second half of the consolation game of the NIT Season Tip-Off at Barclays Center. Florida State won, 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Power Forward

This is by far Miami’s biggest hole on the roster. So naturally, that’s the one spot in which this draft class is not deep.

For our purposes, we’re going to use DraftExpress. Every year, they are the most accurate predictor of who is going where come June.

Only three power forwards warrant a lottery selection in 2017, according to their early mock-up. And one of them, despite being one of the most talented prospects in the country, has major question marks.

Harry Giles (Duke) was the second best player coming out of high school. He has a elite size for a four, is long, explosive, and an aggressive scorer. However, he has yet to play a single minute for the Blue Devils due to an offseason knee procedure. It was only supposed to keep him out six weeks, but there has been growing speculation that he may sit out his freshman year and go straight to the draft.

And it gets worse. Giles has already torn the ACL in each knee, his left one as a sophomore in high school, and then his right one his senior year. Despite his immense talent, would Miami want to select a player who has already had that many health issues? Especially after what happened to Chris Bosh? Probably not.

A player who the Heat could take a look at instead is Lauri Markkanen, who plays for the Arizona Wildcats. The 7-footer is from Finland, but is adjusting to the college game quite nicely. He currently leads the Wildcats in scoring at 18 points per game to go along with eight rebounds.

What really jumps out is his efficiency scoring the basketball: he’s shooting 51 percent from the field, 39 percent from three, and 90 percent from the foul line. His jumper is elite by anyone’s standards, not just for a big man. Despite not being a great athlete, and lacking the length of other power fowards, Markkanen would a nice addition to the Heat. He could fill the role as the pick-and-pop big man that many wanted Bosh to be for Goran Dragic.

Now let’s check out a couple of the small forwards the Heat could target come June.

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