Miami Heat NBA Draft: Was Precious Achiuwa the right pick?
By Jack Simone
Players the Miami Heat passed on for Precious Achiuwa: Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers just one spot after Precious Achiuwa at #21. He showed some solid potential throughout his rookie season.
Starting off with minutes alone, Maxey played 935 total minutes, while Achiuwa played 737. They both appeared in the same number of games (61), with Maxey starting in eight and Achiuwa in only four.
As a whole, Maxey certainly played a larger role for the Sixers than Achuwia did for the Heat. In addition, his pathway to success was much more difficult to surmount than Achiuwa’s was.
The 76ers had a crowded backcourt last year with Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, George Hill, Shake Milton, and Matisse Thybulle. Despite this, Maxey still managed to carve out a spot in the rotation.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat only had two backup centers all year – Kelly Olynyk and Dewayne Dedmon. Achiuwa still found himself behind both of these players in the rotation.
Maxey averaged eight points, 1.7 rebounds, and two assists last season while shooting 46.2% from the field and 30.1% from deep.
Meanwhile, Achiuwa averaged five points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists while shooting 54.5% from the field.
Achiuwa still has plenty of room to grow, but as of now, Maxey looks like a great prospect. The Miami Heat certainly could have used his scoring punch at times during the season.
Should the Miami Heat have taken Maxey?: Probably, but too soon to tell