The Miami Heat have never been the type of organization to tank, but now might be the time to really start considering it. After blowing yet another double digit lead and falling to the Charlotte Hornets, the Heat are now six games below .500 and sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Heat have been playing poorly since the departure of Jimmy Butler, which netted them Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, Kyle Anderson and a 2025 first-round pick. Although the Heat are in position to compete in the play-in tournament, it doesn’t feel like this Heat team has the talent to compete in the playoffs this season.
The 2025 NBA Draft is a very talented class. Many of the prospects could help the Miami Heat both now and in the future. Currently, the Heat have the 11th best odds to win the draft lottery.
Sure, the Heat have been historically good at finding talent in the mid-to-late first round. However, it might make sense for the Heat to improve their odds at a better draft pick. There are some very good players at the top of the draft who could help the Heat. Here are the prospects the Heat should consider tanking for
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
Cooper Flagg is the best prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Heat would be lucky to add him. Pairing Flagg with Adebayo in the frontcourt would make the Heat incredibly strong defensively. Flagg’s jump shot has also looked good this year at Duke. He would help Miami immediately and help make them a force in the East for years to come.
Dylan Harper, SG/PG, Rutgers
Dylan Harper is one of the most talented scoring guards among 2025 NBA Draft prospects. The Heat should covet Harper’s ball handling ability and skill at attacking the basket. He would undoubtedly be an improvement over Terry Rozier, who has struggled significantly this season. Harper has plenty of upside if he can develop a consistent jump shot.
Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
Ace Bailey is a 6-foot-10 wing who can shoot and score with ease. He fits the description of some of the best modern wings in the NBA, such as Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant. Bailey has been improving as a passer and defender at Rutgers as the season has progressed. He has the upside of being one of, if not the best, scorers the Heat would have on their team.
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Out of the top four projected prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft, VJ Edgecomb might be the best fit for the Miami Heat’s style of play. He shows a tremendous level of energy and effort on the defensive side of the ball. His athleticism and explosiveness makes him another guard worth drafting. He has also shown significant improvement with shooting over the course of his season at Baylor.
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
The Miami Heat could use an elite scorer to lighten Tyler Herro’s load offensively. Tre Johnson has the potential to be that guy. Averaging over 20 points per game at Texas this season, Johnson can create his own shot and score at all three levels. He needs to work on his efficiency and defensive versatility, but these things should come naturally as he adds more muscle. All the potential is there for Tre Johnson to be a star.
Miami’s 2025 first round pick is lottery-protected, meaning they will lose their pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder if the Heat make the playoffs. That means they will have to make a decision soon on whether or not they want to embrace the tank.