Three former first-round picks the Miami Heat should take a chance on
By Max Marshall
3. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Another member of the 2015 draft class, Oubre, has the most promise of this group. Though inconsistent on both ends, Oubre averaged 20 points per game for the Hornets last season. Oubre has always been better when he attacks the rim and makes quick decisions. He’s a streaky shooter and probably takes too many 3s (7.2 attempts per game over the last two seasons despite making just 33.5% of them), but there’s definitely the potential for him to steal a regular-season game or two with an offensive explosion.
On the defensive end, Oubre has left his four previous teams wanting more. Though he has the athletic ability and body type to be a high-end perimeter defender (6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan), he has never fully locked in.
The Heat have managed to get more out of subpar defensive players in the past, and the bet here is that they’d manage to motivate him to give more effort on that end. If Oubre were willing to accept a minimum contract at this point of free agency, he could be a low-risk, high-reward pickup.
Next. Potential Heat starter signed by rival. dark
The Heat mindset going into this season is championship or bust. It’s why they are so motivated to trade for Lillard. With or without Lillard, they need to add more talent to the roster. Though Johnson, Winslow, and Oubre are still free agents and come with their share of red flags, they all bring a skill set that the Heat need and are undeniably talented. Signing either one could be worth the gamble.