The Miami Heat have a choice to make when it comes to their draft pick. They could go for raw talent, ability, gifts, and upside with a guy like Miami’s very own… Vernon Carey Jr.
Conclusion:
Carey Jr is an interesting prospect for Miami to look at. At 20th overall potentially, he is big and can help Miami on the boards if nothing else.
But, that is not the case exclusively or in itself. He has a solid offensive game that can be better with time.
However, that may not matter so much right now as on this team, he would not have to come in and put on outstanding displays of offensive skills at first. His job would be to set hard screens and roll hard, as he already does with great intention and controlled reckless abandon.
Also, when on the break Carey Jr can be used to get other big men to waste energy. With reports of Carey Jr dropping 30 pounds, that should help him on defense alone and with the Miami Heat coaching staff, strength, conditioning, and developmental programs, he should be in even better shape by the time the real ball starts.
Miami has a lot of options at 20. Carey Jr should be in that mix of guys that they are looking to take with that 20th pick.
He fills a need. He has upside.
He can make an impact immediately, while he isn’t like anything they already have on the roster. The cherry on top of it all and the bonus is this… he’s also a Miami guy.
That should make it an enticing decision for Pat Riley and the Miami Heat’s front office. We shall keep an eye on it all to see what happens!