Now that it's clear that the Miami Heat aren't going to land a star player this offseason, it's probably time for them to adjust their roster-building approach. Even if it is just for the foreseeable future. That could all begin at the 2025 NBA Draft. In our final mock before the draft arrives, that's exactly what we see as the Heat take a flier on Drake Powell.
Looking to hit a home run on potential, Powell could emerge as an intriguing option for the Heat. With the prototypical size and athleticism on the wing, Miami will hope its developmental system works its magic to help Powell elevate his game to another level in the professional ranks.
The Heat's unpredictable selection
20. Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
Even though there have been whispers that Powell could creep into the end of the first round, the Heat taking him at No. 20 would still be a pretty big surprise. But now that Miami is leaning into a bit of a youth movement, at least that's the way things appear at the moment, Powell is the type of target that could make a ton of sense.
Powell is going to be the ultimate developmental project for the Heat, but his raw measurables are off the charts. And that's what the Heat would be betting on most with selecting Powell late in the first round.
Heat embrace new roster approach with Drake Powell
Powell has the potential to be a difference-making two-way player at his peak, and the argument can be made that he even has some star potential. As a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school, he may not have reached his potential during his freshman season at North Carolina, but the gamble would be that his best basketball days are still ahead of him.
With the athleticism to be a versatile defender down the road, any deep development on the offensive end of the floor makes him an intriguing prospect for Miami. In what could very well end up being a "gap" year, the Heat could use this season to develop Powell behind the scenes, while also providing some minutes for him seemingly during the second half of the year.
The hope would be that in a year or two that Powell would be able to be unleashed after being cultivated in one of the best developmental systems in the league. This selection could very well be the start of a new era for Miami.
Our final 2025 NBA Mock Draft
1. Dallas Mavericks - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
2. San Antonio Spurs - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
3. Philadelphia 76ers - V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
4. Charlotte Hornets - Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
5. Utah Jazz - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
6. Washington Wizards - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
7. New Orleans Pelicans - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
8. Brooklyn Nets - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
9. Toronto Raptors - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
10. Phoenix Suns - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
11. Portland Trail Blazers - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
12. Chicago Bulls - Egor Demin, F, BYU
13. Atlanta Hawks - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
14. San Antonio Spurs - Noa Essengue, F, France
15. Oklahoma City Thunder - Cedric Coward, G, Washington State
16. Memphis Grizzlies - Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
17. Minnesota Timberwolves - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
18. Washington Wizards - Joan Beringer, C, France
19. Brooklyn Nets - Liam McNeeley, F, UCONN
20. Miami Heat - Drake Powell, F, North Carolina
21. Utah Jazz - Will Riley, F, Illinois
22. Atlanta Hawks - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
23. New Orleans Pelicans - Noah Penda, F, France
24. Oklahoma City Thunder - Rasheef Fleming, F, Saint Joseph's
25. Orlando Magic - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
26. Brooklyn Nets - Walton Clayton Jr., G, Florida
27. Brooklyn Nets - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
28. Boston Celtics - Nolan Traore, G, France
29. Phoenix Suns - Asa Newell, C, Georgia
30. LA Clippers - Ben Saraf, G, Israel