Ranking all Miami Heat players into 5 trade value tiers
By Brennan Sims
Best Young Assets: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Nikola Jovic
The Heat are rolling stone solid with young talent, considering they haven't had a high lottery pick since selecting Justice Winslow with the 10th pick in 2015 (I thought he would be a game-breaking point forward).
Their trio of Jaime Jaquez Jr., rookie Kel'el Ware and Nikola Jovic is a nice nucleus, bringing different things to the table. The Heat are hoping for Ware to transition into a stretch big who protects the rim. That archetype is as valuable as it comes today.
In 2023-24, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaren Jackson Jr., Victor Webemnayama, Chet Holmgren, Myles Turner, Karl Anthony-Towns, and Joel Embiid were the only players to hit 1.0 3s per game and 1.5 blocks per game. Ware turning into a more aggressive Myles Turner is an ultra-valuable ceiling.
Jovic and Jaquez were contributing players last year. Jovic was the permanent starting four, and Jaquez had stretches where he looked like the third-best rookie. You could still argue that Jaquez was third after Webmanyama and Holmgren. Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Horners caught fire late, but Jaquez displayed his brilliant skillset all year.
If he puts it all together, Jovic has a shot at being the most valuable. His blend of skill, feel, and touch is a foundation for an All-Star. Jovic has buffed up since entering the league and will continue. His passing and shooting could make him an elite at this level. You only move these three future stars to win now.