Miami Heat’s draft steal could be Purdue big man Zach Edey. If Edey is available to pick, it could change Miami’s team for the better.
Zach Edey Paired With Bam Adebayo? Miami Heat’s Draft Steal
The Much Talked About Heat and Zach Edey Potential
Enter Edey, the potential player discussed as the Miami Heat’s draft steal. No college player on the Men’s side is screaming “franchise player” or “generational talent.” There is also no consensus number one pick. However, the Heat are in the middle of a conversation about drafting Edey the four-year Purdue center. Of course, this is just speculation for the time being, but it is an intriguing speculation at that. Edey is an interesting and perplexing pick in the forthcoming NBA 2024 draft class. His biggest flaw, however, surrounds his talent and how it can transition to the professional level and, in turn, make him an NBA-caliber big man.
This bold Miami Heat draft pick could prove its worth, though. At 7’4” and 285 lbs, those elements on paper tell you he should bring a solid rebounding presence and blocking game. Edey’s knock, however, is his seeming inability to move on the court. This has been evident throughout his college career. Additionally, this year’s March Madness tournament showed his movement limitations further. Leading up to the Purdue Boilermakers’ NCAA championship loss against UConn Huskies earlier this week, how he moved was always in question. His stat lines, on the other hand, show another side.
How Edey Could Enhance Bam’s Game
If Miami Heat President Pat Riley were to green-light a shot at drafting Edey, it would obviously pair him with three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo. This partnership would fit Edey skill-wise and consequently open up Adebayo’s game immensely. Bam is a 4x All-Defensive player, gifted passer, and consistent mid-range shooter. His offensive game could be unlocked in greater proportion with Edey at the five. Given Edey’s mobility limitations, his skill level is more suited to stay closer to the basket as a full shot-clock paint defender. This would allow Adebayo to spread the floor more effectively, resulting in a more open Miami offense. Additionally, Adebayo is free to target mismatches more effectively, creating more offense for his wings. Edey’s presence also poses a greater threat to other centers, with the likes of Rudy Gobert or Joel Embiid, where Bam falls a little short in the size department.
Edey Just Might Be What Miami Needs
Miami has the 17th pick in the draft. So, providing Edey is available, the Heat could pick him at seventeen. This is, of course, assumes that another team in this same conversation, the Toronto Raptors, doesn’t get to him with their 13th pick. If Toronto passes, Miami could cement together a potentially daunting front-court for future seasons. How this would impact a Heat offense that too often resembles a team struggling to score points is something to consider. Edey’s offense may take some time to transition, but his defensive abilities could have an immediate impact. This conversation will no doubt continue leading up to draft day.
