The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and, as of now, the Miami Heat still controls the No. 20 pick this Wednesday. This pick could easily be traded between now and draft night as the Heat continue their pursuit of Kevin Durant, but there are also arguments to be made as to why Miami needs to keep the pick in their efforts to rebuild.
But if Miami does keep the pick, they need to hit on the pick. And while there are several players we do like, these players would be an outright disaster for the Heat to choose.
Liam McNeeley would be an awful choice for the Heat
Based on mock drafts, Liam McNeeley has seen his stock fall and could be available at No. 20. And if he is available, Miami needs to look the other way because the upside to McNeeley is extremely limited.
He shot just 31% from three and 38% overall this past season at UConn. He's 6-foot-7 but makes finishing at the rim look like a chore and has next to no bounce in his game.
Add on the fact that he doesn't fit this Miami roster as currently constructed, and the Heat are better off looking elsewhere.
Will Riley doesn't have elite upside
Almost a carbon copy of problems that McNeeley has, Will Riley only shot 32% from three this past season with Illinois. His passing is fine but not elite, and he doesn't jump off the page with athleticism.
And, like McNeeley, his fit on the team isn't clear. Combined with the limited upside on the offensive end, Riley would not be a good pick for the Heat.
Drake Powell is not the 'steal' many think he is
Drake Powell comes across as an NBA Combine darling who has seen his stock shoot up because of a seven-foot wingspan. Phrases like "steal of the draft" have been floated with Powell, and there have been a mock draft or two that think Miami could go after Powell.
Now, unlike McNeeley and Riley, Powell can shoot the three and was 37.9% from downtown with North Carolina this past season. And while his overall shooting percentage was solid, he also made finishing at the rim look like an advantage against an extremely weak ACC.
Add in that he only scored 10 points or more once in his final six games with UNC, and there is a reason why his stock wasn't high prior to the Combine.