Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon
Though Brooks is the main prospect in tonight’s game (from an overall perspective), Jordan Bell is the one with the highest upside, who could pique Miami’s interest the most.
Bell is a 6-foot-9 power forward who is considered one of the best defenders in college basketball. According to NBA Math, he’s second in the country in defensive points saved, which is a metric derived from defensive box plus/minus. From a raw stat perspective, Bell is blocking 2.0 shots per game on the year, to go with 1.3 steals, both stunning marks.
Thanks in part to his elite defense, Bell was the best performer in Oregon and Michigan’s Sweet 16 matchup.
Jordan Bell dominated Michigan on both ends of the floor w/his energy, defensive versatility, rebounding and passing. Huge down the stretch.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 24, 2017
Bell isn’t a guy who’s gonna stand out in the box score; he’s averaging just 10.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest. But he does change games with his hustle and energy.
Doesn’t he just sound like a Heat player? If you read that description but changed “Bell” to “Udonis Haslem in his prime”, it would still fit perfectly.
The one knock on him is that he can’t really shoot (though he has improved his skill level during his time in college). Miami absolutely need a power forward who can space the floor to slot between Winslow and Hassan Whiteside. And he’s definitely not at the level of a mid-first round pick, which is where the Heat will probably be.
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But All U Can Heat editor Wes Goldberg recently brought up a good point. Perhaps Riley trades down and receives a late first rounder and two second-round picks as compensation.
If that were to happen, either Bell or Brooks would be ideal. Their athleticism, versatility and basketball savvy would fit exquisitely in Spoelstra’s defensive system. And either could be groomed into above-average offensive players, as well.