NBA Draft 2020: Building a big board for the Miami Heat

NBA Draft 2020: Building a big board for the Miami Heat

Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Picture by Leon Bennett/Getty Images

The Heat need to include an impact player at No. 20 if they want to win the Eastern Conference and go back to the NBA Finals next season.

Erik Spoelstra and his training personnel know the Heat discovered a successful formula in the Bubble en path to an Eastern Conference title. That suggests Miami does not require to upgrade their lineup this offseason. Instead, look for the Heat to merely attempt to modify things in an effort to construct on their past success.

The upcoming chase to sign Giannis Antetekuonmpo next summertime indicates the Heat will likely stay reasonably peaceful in complimentary company. That places a premium on getting the No. 20 select right. They might struggle to discover a star because area, but their front workplace excels at finding gamers who fit their system perfectly. Keep a close eye on these 5 prospects as prospective impact additions for the Heat.

1. Payton Pritchard, Guard, Oregon, Big Board Rank: NR

Some might see taking Pritchard No. 20 as a reach. He does lack the elite athleticism most groups focus on in the first round. Pritchard’s feel for the video game and shooting capability will appeal highly to the Heat’s front office.

Drafting him would likewise give Miami a valuable insurance coverage versus the possibility of Goran Dragic leaving in totally free agency. Even if Dragic returns, it’s likely going to be on a short-term offer. Pritchard might provide the Heat important depth initially with the opportunity to bloom into Dragic’s ultimate successor. Never ever underestimate Miami’s interest in catching an elite shooter. Pritchard’s fit into their system might surpass any concerns about his athleticism.

2. Josh Green, Wing, Arizona, Big Board Rank: 18

Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson offer the Heat excellent shooting from the wing position, but neither has the protective chops to turn into a top-flight stopper. Jimmy Butler can only protect one opponent at a time. Picking Green would offer the Heat a much-needed boost of protective potential on the wing.

He’s also a quality three-point shooter which increases his benefit. Snatching him and providing him a season or more to discover behind Jae Crowder would be a creative relocation by the Heat’s front workplace.

3. Theo Maledon, Guard, ASVEL, Big Board Rank: 30

Maledon would be a more traditional selection for the Heat to address their future at point player. The combination of his size and shooting capability at the lead guard area makes him an appealing possibility for the Heat.

The major concern about Maledon’s game is his lack of elite pop off the dribble. As long as the Heat has Jimmy Butler they do not truly need their point player to be a primary developer for long stretches. Maledon has the shooting capability to create much more area for Miami’s offense.

4. Jalen Smith, Big, Maryland, Big Board Rank: 31

Another prospective long-lasting hole in the Heat roster is at the forward area next to Bam Adebayo Discovering a flexible big who can extend the flooring next to Adebayo must be a top priority for Miami.

Smith fits that definition perfectly. He has the sophisticated scoring chops to contribute immediately on the offensive end of the floor. The weak points in his game practically all come at completion of the floor where he lacks elite lateral speed and explosion. Adebayo’s protective prowess will more than conceal any of Smith’s weak points.

5. Tyrell Terry, Guard, Stanford, Big Board Rank: 20

If Terry is still on the board at No. 20 then search for the Heat to kip down their pick rapidly. He may be undersized, but his capability to produce shots off the dribble and hit them at a high rate provide him an opportunity to turn into a top-level NBA scorer.

The Heat have done a great task of obtaining high-level shooters and putting them in the best position to be successful. Terry might begin as a main creator for the Heat’s 2nd unit. In time, his elite shooting capability provides him an opportunity to play alongside Butler and another shooter in the group’s starting lineup.

Miami does not task to have many possibilities to bet on a star in the future. Drafting Terry would give them a legitimate possibility to catch one of the biggest takes in this year’s draft. He shouldn’t still be on the board at No. 20, but there’s an outside chance he might fall under the Heat’s lap.

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