Miami Heat: Pat Riley again tapping into that Kentucky Wildcat talent well?
The Miami Heat just might end up picking 20th in the upcoming NBA Draft. Pat Riley may also again be looking Kentucky for his guy in that spot.
The Miami Heat are in the middle of the transactional period of the offseason, just like every other team. One of the most fun parts of the year in the NBA, this is the time when offseason signings, trades, and the NBA Draft has us all buzzing.
With the NBA Draft almost here, we are starting to focus in on exactly who might be selected by each team. In some instances though, those decisions may not be made for the teams themselves.
Some teams are still beating the scouting trails as time ticks away on the clock to begin picking prospects. The Miami Heat are one of those teams.
With an eye for Kentucky guys, this next bit of news is no surprise. It comes via the Twitter account of Kentucky Wildcat head man, John Calipari.
Lot of mixed emotions today. Our #UKProDay tonight was great. I expected a good turnout, but I was really blown away to see more than 80 @NBA personnel tuning in virtually, including Pat Riley. Excited for our guys because they set a great tone for themselves and our team. pic.twitter.com/7dJrSgmCbT
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 13, 2020
He continued this outpouring of emotion and expression in a series of tweets, commented below his original tweet. Here is what they read.
The Miami Heat have the 20th pick in this draft. Will it become another outstanding Kentucky product for the Miami Heat?
"But it’s also been a really sad day for all of us here at @UKAthletics. First we learned about the passing of @CoachSchlarman, who absolutely loved this place and loved his players. He fought until the very end and will leave a lasting legacy here.Then I walked in this evening and heard @UKCoachMitchell was stepping away for health reasons. That was tough to hear. Matthew has been here w/me from the start. He’s family. Matthew & I could always talk b/c we always knew what the other was going through as the bball coaches.I know this was a tough decision for @UKCoachMitchelland one he did not take lightly. He leaves here as the winningest coach in program history. He did an incredible job."
It was a very heartfelt message from what seemed like an emotional Coach Cal.
As far as Pat Riley’s involvement in the pro day for the players, that wasn’t a surprise at all, as we mentioned. Going Kentucky with his last two picks in Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, he seems to have a thing for guys from his alma mater.
With Ashton Hagans, Tyrese Maxey, and Immanuel Quickley all in play at 20 for the Miami Heat, it definitely wouldn’t be a surprise to see either go for the Heat there. Not even to mention some of the undrafted or second-round talent they may have there, ripe for the plucking and development by the Miami Heat.
Next. Miami Heat Roundtable: Who should they take with the 20th pick?. dark
Pat Riley is going to that well again but we can’t blame him. Keep going to the well that’s quenching your thirst, while you hunt for the whale… as well.