Miami Heat NBA Draft: Was KZ Okpala the right pick?
By Jack Simone
Players the Miami Heat passed on for KZ Okpala: Terance Mann
Terance Mann was a huge part of the Los Angeles Clippers’ Finals run last season. The Miami Heat could have taken him but had their sights set on Okpala instead.
The Clippers picked Mann with the 48th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. This was a whole 16 picks after the Heat took Okpala, but in the second round, anybody could be taken anywhere.
As mentioned, Mann’s production was a huge reason the Clippers were able to go on such an impressive run in the playoffs last year. He helped lead them to their first-ever trip to the Western Conference Finals.
During the regular season, Mann averaged seven points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He shot 50.9% from the field and 41.8% from three-point range.
He averaged very similar numbers in the playoffs but capped it off with a massive closeout game against the Jazz in the second round. He put up 39 points in Game 6 to help the Clippers clinch their first WCF berth in franchise history.
The 6-5 wing spent most of his time at shooting guard and small forward, but played a little bit of point guard and power forward for LA, too. He’s a super versatile player who has shown potential in all areas of the game.
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Mann would have added some much-needed wing depth to Miami’s rotation, as well as some solid three-point shooting. His contributions would certainly have helped in both of the Heat’s playoff runs in the past two years.
Should the Miami Heat have taken Mann?: Absolutely