Even if Donovan Mitchell does not fill a need, the Miami Heat could still select him if he’s the best player available during this Thursday’s NBA Draft.
While guard isn’t a primary area of need for the Miami Heat, they were impressed with Louisville’s Donovan Mitchell during a recent workout and will consider selecting him during this Thursday’s NBA Draft if he were to fall to No. 14, reports the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
"Though the Heat has depth at guard, we hear Louisville’s Donovan Mitchell is among a handful of players under strong consideration by the Heat at No. 14, and ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas said Monday that Mitchell would be his pick if all of the perceived top 10 to 12 players are off the board by the time Miami selects in Thursday’s draft."
The Heat already have Goran Dragic, Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson and Wayne Ellington under contract, and could retain Dion Waiters as well. But Mitchell is an explosive talent, though he is a bit of a tweener between guard spots.
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His athleticism and length make him a standout defensive player, somewhat in the mold of Avery Bradley. Offensively, he explodes to the rim and regularly dunked on opponents. He has a jump shot that is inconsistent, but should improve.
The Ringer, which has Mitchell going 12th to the Detroit Pistons, writes in their scouting report:
"Supreme athlete with NBA strength who is still developing his point guard skills,” and “Elite defensive potential: aggressive, versatile, plays with reckless abandon, great rebounder.”"
In a recent conference call, ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla said that, at 14, the Heat shouldn’t worry about fit and should take the best player available.
"I think you just take the best possible player that you think is going to play in the NBA and don’t worry about what position he is; figure it out later.If you reach for a safe guy, you know, to me that’s when I think you can make a mistake."
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If Mitchell is on the board at 14, he’d almost certainly be the best player available. Miami doesn’t have the luxury of multiple picks this season, and their pick is owed to Pheonix (top-seven protected) next season. That doesn’t give Miami many chances to add top-end, young talent.
The Heat can fill needs in free agency, after the draft. It’s harder to find guys like Mitchell. Grab them when you can.