Pre-Draft Outlook
All hail Heat president Pat Riley, who cemented his reputation as one of the savviest talent searchers in NBA history by finding such low-cost diamonds in the rough as Max Strus, Omer Yertseven, Gabe Vincent and Duncan Robinson over the last few seasons. Because of that, the Heat became a deep team almost overnight, with quality backups everywhere. There’s not an area of dire need in the rotation, although Miami might start searching for candidates to assume the point guard spot, where Kyle Lowry is aging and more physically vulnerable than ever.
A Stat That Matters
11.3, 14.4 — In the first round of the playoffs, the Heat held the Hawks to 11.3 fewer points per 100 possessions than Atlanta scored in the regular season. In the conference semifinals, the Heat held the Sixers to 14.4 fewer points per 100 possessions than Philly scored in the first round.
The Way To Go
Jaden Hardy spent last year with the Ignite, the developmental team in the NBA G League, so he already brings experience in a professional atmosphere. He has a very mature dribble game and, at 6-foot-4, has size as well. He’ll need work on other aspects, such as court vision and shooting. However, he’s just 19 years old and, given Miami’s depth, there would be no urgency for him to play right away should he land there. Any player taken by the Heat will immediately be put through the Jimmy Butler School of Toughness and learn from Lowry.
Under Contract
G: Tyler Herro
G: Kyle Lowry
G: Mychal Mulder
G: Javonte Smart
G: Gabe Vincent
G/F: Max Strus
F: Jimmy Butler
F: Haywood Highsmith
F: Duncan Robinson
C/F: Bam Adebayo
C: Omer Yurtseven
Free Agents
G: Kyle Guy (unrestricted)
G: Victor Oladipo (unrestricted)
F: Udonis Haslem (unrestricted)
F: Caleb Martin (restricted)
F: Markieff Morris (unrestricted)
F: P.J. Tucker (player option)
C: Dewayne Dedmon (unrestricted)
> 2022 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2021: None
— Shaun Powell