NBA

Quick Links

NBA Draft: 8 Potential First-Round Picks For The Miami Heat

+Read full article

Getty Images

8 Potential First Round Picks For The Miami Heat

Miami Heat, nba draft — Uncertainty has been the name of the game for the Miami Heat ever since they missed the playoffs -- at least in the eyes of the public. The team has been quiet, so all fans have had to live off of is speculation about the free agency of Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng and Goran Dragic and the potential trades of Chris Andersen and Mario Chalmers. That's the sort of confusion that leaves a team with multiple options for the No. 10 pick. Here are a few:

Uncertainty has been the name of the game for the Miami Heat ever since they missed the playoffs -- at least in the eyes of the public. The team has been quiet, so all fans have had to live off of is speculation about the free agency of Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng and Goran Dragic and the potential trades of Chris Andersen and Mario Chalmers. That's the sort of confusion that leaves a team with multiple options for the No. 10 pick. Here are a few:

8. Sam Dekker

8. Sam Dekker

Sam Dekker’s sneaky athleticism and ability to create off the dribble, at 6-foot-9, makes him an interesting prospect. And when his confidence is there, his 3-point shot can look almost automatic. The problem is that his confidence is often nowhere to be found, resulting in his shot falling flat.

7. Kelly Oubre

7. Kelly Oubre

A lackluster freshman year at Kansas has caused Kelly Oubre to go from being looked at as a potential game-changing wing to a possible project. His weak handle could leave Miami with James Ennis part two, but if his flair, defense ability, offensive attack and shooting pan out, Oubre could be a future star. That is a lot of ifs.

6. Mario Hezonja

6. Mario Hezonja

Arrogant and cocky with a little J.R. Smith in him has been the common description of Mario Hezonja. In other words he can shoot from anywhere on the court and isn't afraid to try, is an athlete who can defend when he wants to and can be selfish to the point to where he teammates despise him. Yet he’s good enough to have Miami make the rare trek to Europe to scout the 6-foot-7 Croatian. Will he still be there at No. 10 though?

5. Myles Turner

5. Myles Turner

Myles Turner has been getting the late, sleeper push in mock drafts as the player the Miami Heat should aim for because of his ability to be a 6-foot-11 stretch-four who protects the rim. Experts report that he could be a nice replacement if Chris Andersen gets traded, but we all keep hearing that Turner must be given a few years. That is not necessarily something Heat fans want to sign up for.

4. Devin Booker

4. Devin Booker

Devin Booker copy — Devin Booker may be the biggest beneficiary of the Golden State Warriors’ success in the NBA Finals. As an elite three-point specialist -- at 41 percent -- and good defender, the shooting guard could fill the Heat’s biggest need from last season. However his lack of elite athleticism could be an issue.

Devin Booker may be the biggest beneficiary of the Golden State Warriors’ success in the NBA Finals. As an elite three-point specialist -- at 41 percent -- and good defender, the shooting guard could fill the Heat’s biggest need from last season. However his lack of elite athleticism could be an issue.

3. Willie Cauley-Stein

3. Willie Cauley-Stein

Future Defensive Player of the Year is the title that everyone most frequently puts on Willie Cauley-Stein. Imagine a 7-foot-1 center who can guard all five positions, in a lineup next to Hassan Whiteside. Now stop imagining because he’s not likely to drop that far.

2. Frank Kaminsky

2. Frank Kaminsky

Frank Kaminsky seems to be everything that Pat Riley loves. He’s a 7-foot-1 senior center with a decent drop-step move in the post and a great mid to long-range jump shot. Sounds like the ideal replacement if the Heat choose to move Josh McRoberts.

1. Stanley Johnson

1. Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson was the consensus pick for Miami at No. 10 for most of the weeks following the NBA Draft Lottery. Expect is size and three-and-D potential to be hard for the Heat and Pat Riley to pass up, if he is still around.

Richard Nurse is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @blackirishpr or add him to your network on Google.

Teams in this article »
Miami Heat

Richard Nurse is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter

Your Favorites

Close Article Return to stream X

NBA• 3 days ago

Riley And Elisburg Ushering In Heat Youth Movement

Breaking News

The Miami Heat front office is becoming well-versed at finding ways to build without draft picks.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NBA• 1 week ago

Heat Would Be Crazy To Keep Bosh Over 2016 Offseason

Breaking News

Chris Bosh has dealt with serious injury issues for the last two seasons, and the Miami Heat would be smart to move on from the power forward.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NBA• 1 week ago

5 Biggest Positives For Heat's 2015-16 Season

Breaking News

The Miami Heat have been able to thrive thanks to these five unexpected positives during the 2015-16 season.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NBA• 1 week ago

Beasley Is Finding Comfort Away From Heat Culture

Breaking News

Life outside of Miami seems to have rejuvenated Michael Beasley’s career.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NBA• 2 weeks ago

Trap Games Should Be A Thing Of The Past For Heat

Breaking News

Playoff positioning could be in danger if the Miami Heat keep falling asleep.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

NBA• Videos• 2 weeks ago

Watch Bryant's Press Conference Get Interrupted By Wade

Dwyane Wade decided to interrupt Kobe Bryant’s presser following tonights game. #GoLakershttps://t.co/xQcGh5Djre

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 31, 2016

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was in the middle of one of his many crowded press conferences following a 102-100 win over the Miami Heat when none other than Dwyane Wade walked into the room and caused a stir. Bryant found it absolutely hilarious.

Comment

0 Comments