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Three former first-round picks the Miami Heat should take a chance on

By Max Marshall

Mar 20, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) runs the offense against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) runs the offense against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /
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With training camp only a month away, the Miami Heat still have a roster spot available. Whether or not a Damian Lillard trade gets done before opening night, Miami has to add a 14th player, per league rules. Fortunately for them, there are some former first-round picks who could make sense.

1. Stanley Johnson

Johnson has been bouncing around the league since being drafted in 2015 by the Detroit Pistons. He averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists throughout his NBA career. Last season, Johnson played three games for Miami’s G-League team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, before the San Antonio Spurs snatched him up for the rest of the season. Yet Johnson remains a free agent.

Defensively, he’s a good fit. Tough, physical, with the ability to guard multiple positions. Even though Johnson struggles shooting from 3-point range (career 30.5% from distance) he has tools that Miami likes. At the minimum, he could be someone worth considering.

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