MIAMI — A week from today, the choice will be in — if there is a choice — in the wake of next Wednesday’s first round of the NBA draft.
For the Miami Heat, a choice, any choice, would be news unto itself, considering it would mark a fourth consecutive year of coming out of the draft with a first-round pick, something that has not happened for Pat Riley’s team in two decades.
The last time the Heat exited four consecutive drafts with a first-round selection was the run of Caron Butler (2002), Dwyane Wade (2003), Dorell Wright (2004) and Wayne Simien (2005). There were no Heat first-round picks in 2001 or 2006.
It was in 2018, when Riley famously said ahead of that year’s draft, “To be really honest with you, I’m not a draft-pick guy. I think a draft pick every other year is good.”
And, so, the Heat went without a first-round pick in 2018, as they did in 2021, and prior to that Riley comment, also without first-round selections in 2016, ’13, ’12, ’11, ’10 and ’09.
It is why there is somewhat of a caveat emptor sense about Wednesday night’s draft party at Kaseya Center, even with no charge for admission.
And, yet, there also is a sense of an appreciation of a new era, where first-round picks on rookie-scale contracts stand invaluable at a time when other soaring salaries are resulting in logjams against the salary cap, luxury tax and tax aprons.
So perhaps after Nikola Jovic (2022), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (’23) and Kel’el Ware (’24) there could actually be a Heat selection at No. 20 on Wednesday night, at the draft slot acquired from the Golden State Warriors in the Feb. 6 trade of Jimmy Butler (with the Heat’s own No. 15 slot moved on to the Oklahoma City Thunder from a previous trade).
As always, the Heat’s stated position is to draft the best remaining talent on the board, even as previous drafts have indicated otherwise, including going big with Precious Achiuwa in 2020 amid the short turnaround from a pandemic-extended season that saw the Heat advance to the NBA Finals.
As almost always, the Heat enter the draft with decided needs, starting with someone to juice an offense coming off another season near the bottom of the league.
For now, a week out, among those linked to the Heat at no .20 in various mock drafts are:
Liam McNeeley, freshman wing, UConn (ESPN mock draft, NBADraft.net): Listed at almost 6-7, a high-motor, high-IQ scorer with a deft outside touch. Can play on and off the ball, with an ability to find his shot, although not necessarily create on his own. Not necessarily athletic or explosive, with limitations defensively.
Nolan Traore, 19-year-old guard, France (The Ringer, Yahoo Sports): A 6-3 playmaker who plays with quickness and pace. More of a facilitator than a scorer, but with strengths in that aspect, as well. Questions are there regarding athleticism and shooting, as well as off-the-ball defense. Could serve as insurance should Davion Mitchell depart in free agency.
Nique Clifford, senior guard, Colorado State (CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Bleacher Report): The 6-5 guard is adept at several aspects, although perhaps not quite a master of any. But capable of contributions across the board with his savvy, to a degree what Jaime Jaquez Jr. was as an NBA rookie. Better defensively in team concepts than necessarily as a stopper. Questions, though, remain against high-level competition.
Cedric Coward, senior guard, Washington State (The Athletic): Would be somewhat surprising if the 6-5 guard makes it to No. 20. Has impressive plus wingspan, with the type of length and shooting stroke coveted by Heat. Lack of ballhandling and playmaking are concerns, as is a lack of focus defensively. Still, the steps at the Chicago combine cannot be overlooked.
Jase Richardson, freshman guard, Michigan (Sports Illustrated): An undersized 6-foot scoring guard who could potentially best set up as a spark off the bench. Plays in attack mode with a plus-wingspan and stout build that compensates for his size. Defense is a concern due to size, but competes.
Asa Newell, freshman forward, Georgia (NetScouts): The athletic 6-9 big man intrigues with his athleticism but also concerns with his shooting. This would be somewhat of a raw reach, a player who could get by early with his attacking and defensive guile. Always something to be said about a springy presence.
Thomas Sorber, freshman forward, Georgetown (USA Today): The 6-9 bulky big man still needs to grow into his body, but presents the possibility to mature into a skilled center. Plays well in the pick-and-roll, including with his passing. Lumbering defense is a concern at the moment, with questions about taking on another defender who plays in drop coverage.
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