The Miami Heat hold the 14th pick in this year’s draft. With a deep draft class, they have the chance of drafting a special talent.
With the NBA draft just under two weeks away, rumors and speculation on what the Miami Heat will do have already been formulating. There have been talks of moving up in the draft, or trading the pick for a superstar. However, if they decide to stay put, there is a need at power forward which could be addressed.
This past season, the Heat started Luke Babbitt at the power forward position for 55 games. Although he did a decent job at spreading the floor with his ability to shoot the 3, he wasn’t particularly a difference maker and, when his shot wasn’t falling, was a liability.
James Johnson was the clear best power forward on the team, and played the bulk of the minutes at the position mostly off the bench. The Heat would like him back, but he’s a free agent this summer and there is no guarantee he will be back in Miami.
Related: Free agent replacements for James Johnson
Lauri Markkanen, the 20-year-old out of the University of Arizona, would make the most sense for the Heat if he were to fall to the 14th pick. Most mock drafts have Markkanen going a little earlier, but we have seen many players fall before. In fact, just two years ago the Heat were not expecting Justise Winslow to be there with the 10th pick.
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Versatile Scoring
One of the things that makes Markkanen so intriguing for the Heat is his versatile scoring. He was one of the best 3-point shooters in college basketball, which is very impressive for a 7-footer. This allows to him to also be able to stretch the floor, but his versatility makes him so much more than just that.
Markkanen is very agile for his size, and moves well off the ball, finding open spots and making the defense work. Also, he is very fluid in his movement, which is a great attribute for a big man. The combination of this plus his agility helps him attack the rim, where he is continuing to improve. His size makes him a deadly shooter from just about anywhere, as it is difficult to contest his shots.
Physical Attributes
I mentioned that Markkanen’s size and agility help make him a versatile scorer. In addition, it helps him with defense and rebounding. Those are areas he struggles in, but it mostly comes from poor technique. The talent is there to be a good defender, which can be seen with his good close-out ability on the perimeter.
The knock on Markkanen are his struggles on defense. He struggles to stay in front of his opponents and is not a great rim-protector. However, there is room for improvement in these areas due to the physical attributes he possesses.
Miami has developed a culture in the organization. This includes a world-class conditioning program and elite defense. This team is known for molding players into reaching their potential. Markkanen’s defensive struggles will be improved with this coaching staff, who will polish his poor technique.
Next: NBA mock draft -- Heat value versatility
Special Talent
The Heat need to add a special talent and future star to their roster in this year’s draft. They may trade the pick in a package deal for a superstar, or trade up for a higher pick. However, if they decide to stay put, Markannen has the makings of a difference maker.