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Heat rumors: Miami to work out 2017 NBA Draft prospect Luke Kennard

By Wes Goldberg

Dec 10, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) points toward a teammate during a game against the UNLV Runnin' Rebels at T-Mobile Arena. Duke won the game 94-45. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) points toward a teammate during a game against the UNLV Runnin' Rebels at T-Mobile Arena. Duke won the game 94-45. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Heat will bring Duke’s 3-point shooting specialist Luke Kennard in for a work out ahead of the NBA Draft.

Part of the reason the Miami Heat were able to go 30-11 through the second half of the season was that they turned into one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the league. After perhaps finding a formula for success, the team could be in the market to add even more perimeter shooting.

According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, the Heat will work out Duke’s Luke Kennard, among the best 3-point shooters in the draft.

"Duke’s Luke Kennard, a sweet-shooting two-guard who has supposedly shot up some draft boards, will work out for the Heat in Miami on Wednesday, according to league sources."

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Kennard, a two-year player, averaged 19.5 points, 2.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 43.8 percent on 5.4 3-point attempts per game. He’s been compared by many to former Duke sharpshooter J.J. Redick.

DraftExpress currently has Kennard ranked as their 13th best player in the 2017 NBA Draft, and has him going 11th overall to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor writes that Kennard has “elite feel and fundamentals.”

"“Excellent shooting upside. Features a quick release and pristine footwork, with ability to hit shots on the move, off screens, and off the dribble. Extremely high basketball IQ and feel for the game. Rarely makes mistakes. He’s very advanced at using off-ball screens to get open.”"

The concerns about Kennard–as they are about most shooting specialists–are of his defense. He’s not an elite athlete and doesn’t have great size (6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-5 wingspan) so his upside is limited. Redick found a way to become a net neutral at that end, but that was with years of work. It will similarly take Kennard some time but, with his high basketball IQ, he should at least be able to position himself and follow a game plan.

Kennard projects as a combo guard at the NBA level, and got better as a ball handler during his time at Duke. His ability to play both guard positions could provide insurance for the Miami Heat if they take him at No. 14, particularly if Dion Waiters isn’t re-signed or Tyler Johnson is traded.

Next: Six players the Heat can pick at No. 14

Kennard is one of those players who can help a team right away, but isn’t likely to develop into an All-Star. If the Heat feel they can get an All-Star player elsewhere, Kennard is a strong complementary piece who can make a team better.

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