We take a look at some NBA mock drafts to see who the experts believe the Miami Heat will take with the 14th pick in the draft.
With the NBA Draft less than a month away, it’s officially NBA mock draft season. You’re going to see (and click on) a ton of mocks between now and June 22’s draft, so let’s take early inventory on who the experts are saying the Miami Heat will select when they are on the clock with the No. 14 pick.
DraftExpress: Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina
Jackson is one of the most well-rounded offensive players in the draft. His length (6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan) and shooting (36.8 percent on 7.2 3-point attempts per game) would fill a need for the Heat on the perimeter.
Here’s what DraftExpress has to say about him. First, the positives:
"Jackson relies on his feel for the game and high skill-level to make the right reads on and off ball to help him score. There will be an adjustment he’ll need to make playing against more complex defensive schemes than he saw in college, but in a smaller offensive role, Jackson will likely find ways to use his basketball IQ to find openings to get good looks at the rim."
And what he can work on:
"While Jackson has shown clear skill development, there are still some things he has to address to compete nightly against NBA wings. At 6’8 with a 6’11 wingspan, he has very good size and length for a wing, but is just an average athlete by NBA standards. He’s a fluid athlete, but lacks a degree of explosiveness. His frame is on the thin side at 201 pounds, which is a cause for concern as a 22 year old junior, since he’ll likely always be somewhat lanky. He’ll have to continue to get stronger to handle the physicality of a NBA schedule as a small forward, much less be able to spend any time as a small-ball 4-man, which many teams like to see their small forwards do these days."
The Ringer: Harry Giles, PF/C, Duke
Someone The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor compares to Amar’e Stoudemire as a best-case scenario, Harry Giles was considered one of the drafts top overall prospects before tearing his ACL in his lone season at Duke.
However, if he can bounce back from his multiple leg injuries (he’s torn both ACL’s since 2015, plus other injuries) Giles provides the defensive versatility and offensive upside that can transform what an NBA team is able to do on both ends of the court.
The raw talent is there, but it’s a risk nonetheless. Given that Miami doesn’t have many picks for the next several years, Giles could be the team’s best chance to hit a home run in the draft.
Sports Illustrated: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
Here’s what SI’s Andrew Sharp wrote about Markkanen:
"Markkanen could go much higher (Wolves at 7? Kings at 10?), and I’m a fan of his game. He’s a killer shooter who will be compared to Ryan Anderson 800 times before the draft process is over. If Markkanen can diversify his offensive skillset, Ryan Anderson comps might be selling him short. But I’m worried about defense. Guards who don’t play defense are not a huge problem. Big men who don’t play defense make life more complicated for the entire team. That said, for a Heat team with Hassan Whiteside and Justise Winslow bookending the front court, it could work. Given the upside, the Markkanen experiment would be a no-brainer if he slips this far."
FanSided: Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga
The Heat already have Hassan Whiteside at center, but Collins could provide more offensive upside. He may also be able to eventually replace the expensive Whiteside. Here’s more of FanSided writer Chris Stone’s analysis:
"Collins has some really nice upside for a center prospect because of his defensive potential and developing offense. The 7-footer is the top rim protecting center in this class as he averaged 4.1 blocks per 40 minutes last season. Collins has a nice understanding of verticality and good instincts for challenging shots. He also has the potential to stay with guards for a few slides on the perimeter, opening up some options for defending pick-and-roll.Collins’ offensive upside revolves around his potential to develop his 3-point shot. He took them at a low volume this season, but made 10 of his 21 attempts. He already has a solid roll game and can play well out of the post."
Next: The 5 best shooters in the NBA Draft
ESPN: Giles
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Chad Ford has the Heat taking Giles. He’s previously had them taking UCLA power forward T.J. Leaf, who they pass up this time around, and doesn’t go until No. 18.
Bleacher Report: Jackson
Another one for Justin Jackson. He’s been linked to the Heat quite a bit, and should be taken around the 14th pick. We’ll see how things shake out the closer we get to the draft.