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

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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina (No change)

Jackson provides two things the Heat need: Shooting and length. He can get buckets, but don’t sleep on his passing ability. He has good court vision and above-average touch. He would work well as a floor spacer right away and, if he improves his handle, could develop into an extra ball handler in Miami’s drive-and-kick game.

14. Frank Ntilikina, PG, International

Frank Ntilikina was left off the previous draft board because, of all the top point guards, he requires the most development. My thinking was that the Heat would be averse to selecting a guard who needs that much time. That was under the assumption that the team was in win-now mode. However, that was overthinking it. If he were to slide to No. 14, Ntilikina would likely be the most talented player left on the board by far.

The Heat can’t pass up that sort of talent because (a) Dion Waiters could leave as a free agent, (b) selecting Ntilikina could make Tyler Johnson expendable and (c) another team might be willing to trade for Ntilikina later on. The fit isn’t ideal but he’s too good an asset to pass up at this point.

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