Few big men project as well as Vernon Carey Jr. With the Miami Heat preparing for an absence at that position, he should be strongly considered.
If the Miami Heat are looking to fill the potential void left in Meyers Leonard’s exit this offseason then they should look no further than Duke’s Vernon Carey Jr.
The Blue Devil prospect averaged 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game this year. Carey’s scoring ability matches that of his rim protection. Both are adept for his age at a fresh 19-years old.
The Heat’s outlook at center is mostly encouraging. Leonard is expected to resign with the club this offseason and longterm the role should be filled out by All-Star big man Bam Adebayo.
But smart front offices prepare for the worst. If Pat Riley feels like stocking up on center depth, then Vernon Carey makes perfect sense for their first-round selection. The 19-year old big man has drawn comparisons to former Duke Blue Devil big man Wendell Carter Jr.
On a less effective scale, if this is Carey’s ceiling, then he’ll be a rotation piece at a minimum. The Miami Heat would be wise to consider him among other center prospects in this class.
The Miami Heat will have a number of prospects available when they make their first-round selection in the 2020 NBA Draft. All of the aforementioned names should be considered, given which position Pat Riley and company target.