Members of the Miami Heat are in Chicago.
Pat Riley is spending some time in the Windy City.
But don’t worry Heat Nation, he’s not interested in the Chicago Bulls.
The Miami Heat president, along with general manager Andy Elisburg, vice president of player personnel Chet Kammerer, and head coach Erik Spoelstra, is representing the team at the NBA draft combine.
This year, the event will be held at the Quest Multisport complex in Chicago, spanning from Wednesday to Sunday. There have been 69 players invited, including University of Miami guards Bruce Brown Jr. and Lonnie Walker.
Brown, a sophomore, declared himself ready to enter the NBA draft back in April. Despite a lackluster second year, during which a foot injury sidelined him for all but 19 games. Still, the Boston-native certainly has talent. Averaging 11.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals a game during his time as a Hurricane, head coach Jim Larranaga spoke highly of his two guard.
"“He’s a great kid and a great ambassador for the University of Miami, and he’s going to continue to help us. Recruits are going to see what Bruce Brown and Lonnie Walker have accomplished at Miami as a two-and-done and one-and-done. And they’re going to say, `I can do that too.’”"
Walker, who is entering the draft after just one year at Miami, is ready to prove his worth.
"“I feel that I can be a franchise player. I feel that I have what it takes, whether it’s offensively or defensively. I can score with the best of them and I can guard the best players in my respective area. That’s what I’m looking forward to in my future.”"
The Pennsylvania-native averaged 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 27.8 minutes of play in 2017-18. Numbers that may not pop off the page, but clearly show potential. Walker is also extremely athletic, something that is sure to stand out during the combine.
The Heat don’t have a 2018 draft pick, in part thanks to the Goran Dragic trade. Their two first-round picks are owed to the Phoenix Suns, while their second-rounder will go to the Houston Rockets. In 2016, Miami returned Chris Andersen from the Memphis Grizzlies, who then moved the No. 46 pick along to Houston.
Therefore, the front office will mainly keep its eye on guys who may end up undrafted in June.
It’s no secret that Riley would rather work off trades than draft picks, but it never hurts to see what’s out there.
Next: Miami Heat: Will Dwyane Wade find himself in an Udonis Haslem role?
Hope Chicago treats the Miami Heat well.