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Miami Heat big board 4.0: Final update before the NBA Draft

By Wes Goldberg

Feb 25, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) looks to pass the ball while being defended by Clemson Tigers guard Shelton Mitchell (4) during the first half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) looks to pass the ball while being defended by Clemson Tigers guard Shelton Mitchell (4) during the first half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) controls the ball against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) controls the ball against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU (Prev. not ranked)

Often compared to Jae Crowder and Jonathon Simmons, players like Ojeleye are valuable role players in today’s game. He has the size and length to guard in the post and the quickness to defend the perimeter. He also has a smooth shooting stroke, and converted 42.4 percent of 172 3-point attempts last season. He put up big stats at SMU after transferring after two years at Duke, but he won’t have the same usage in the NBA. If he can round out his game to take advantage of his more limited opportunities, and remain engaged defensively, Ojeleye will be a valuable commodity to a winning team.

Ojeleye may be the most physically gifted wing available by the time they are picking at No. 14. Even if Justin Jackson and Terrance Ferguson are still on the board, none of them have the combination of quickness and strength Ojeleye has. He’d slot in behind Justise Winslow or (if re-signed) James Johnson. He’d have to fight for minutes with Winslow, Rodney McGruder and Okaro White, but that’s a good problem to have.

18. Jonah Bolden, F, International (Prev. not ranked)

Look up the highlight clips of Jonah Bolden on YouTube, and you’ll see a bunch of put-back dunks. Sure, it’s mostly against international competition, but he springs like a slinky and flies at the rim in a flash. Bolden’s shooting percentages were solid, but is 58.5 percent free-throw percentage (often a strong indicator of shooting skill) is worrisome. However, his stroke is clean, and when you consider that he took more 3s (135) than free throws (85) it’s a little bit less of a concern.

Of all the players on this list, Bolden is perhaps the most athletic and fluid. His quickness and long limbs make him a very intriguing prospect if he can round out his game and leverage his athleticism against NBA competition.

Bolden is a half-baked version of 2016-17 James Johnson. If selected by the Heat, he’d either be (a) insurance if Johnson leaves in free agency or (b) Johnson’s apprentice.

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