Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft as the Miami Heat selecting Arizona forward Josh Green with the 20th overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.
While the Miami Heat and three other teams battle it out in the NBA’s two Conference Finals series, the rest of the NBA is looking forward to the 2020 NBA Draft.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday that the NBA has “locked in” on November 18th as the date for the draft. Discussions had been relatively fluid up until this decision, due to the league’s hiatus in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak.
So naturally, all attention not directed at the remained of the NBA playoffs has been pivoted onto the upcoming draft class, with mock drafts being published weekly. In his latest for Bleacher Report, Jonathan Wasserman has the Miami Heat selecting Arizona forward Josh Green:
"“Miami wouldn’t look at Green as an immediate answer. Instead, the Heat would buy the long-term potential tied to his athleticism, spot-up shooting, defensive quickness and flashes of floater touch and passing. They’d groom him to replace Andre Iguodala in the rotation.”"
It’s not surprising to think that the Heat would be investing in their future with this year’s draft selection, given their championship aspirations in 2021 and beyond. In a draft class that remains largely a question mark, their best bet may be to draft a guy they deem has the highest upside.
Green entered the draft pool after his rookie year with the Arizona Wildcats, who finished 21-11 and 5th in the Pac-12. The 6-6 forward averaged 12 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals in 30 games as the Arizona Wildcat’s starting small forward.
As Wasserman notes, one of the biggest draws to Green’s game is his defense. His three-point shot is also one that inspires confidence ahead of a leap to the professional level. NBADraft.net has Green’s NBA comparison as Kelly Oubre Jr, a player who’s been tied to the Heat.
The Miami Heat hold the 20th overall selection in the upcoming draft. Other than Green, we’ve also seen them tied to point guard Kira Lewis Jr, which you can read more about here.
Before we can really start discussing the 2020 NBA Draft and potential prospects, the Miami Heat are working their way to an NBA Finals appearance. Game Two against the Boston Celtics is scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 pm EST. Coverage will be provided by ESPN.