The Miami Heat’s draft considerations have included some new names to the pool as the draft draws nearer. Miami’s first-round pick is vital for the organization as they hope to gain a player who can provide an immediate impact. Let’s dive into some possible targets.
Miami Heat Draft Targets Include A Few Talented College Guards
Miami Trading Up May Be In Play
The Miami Heat draft targets have expanded recently, with a few new college names added to the list. Miami holds the 15th and 43rd pick in the first and second rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft. The Heat may try to move up in the draft via trade to land the organization a better pick. Many in the NBA and the media consider this year’s draft one of the least impactful in the last several years. However, moving up to a top-ten pick is still better than Miami’s current pick at fifteen.
Miami is likely to lose some key role players this offseason. Caleb Martin, Kevin Love, and Josh Richardson, all have player options while Haywood Highsmith is an unrestricted free agent. Free agency hunting could be in each of their immediate futures. So, Miami could drive toward the goal of cashing in at the draft with a player who can be inserted into the rotation from the get-go of the regular season.
Who Are The Heat Looking At Now?
Tyler Kolek
Tyler Kolek, out of Marquette, is one player Miami is rumored to be circling, according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor.
“Kolek’s stock appears to be on the rise as the draft approaches, with teams viewing him as a versatile guard who can provide immediate knockdown shooting and reliable playmaking,” O’Connor wrote. “I’ve heard him connected as high as here, though perhaps if a lottery team trades down then Kolek could be a target for them too. If Miami lands him, then he would fill a clear position of need and could develop nice two-man chemistry with Bam Adebayo.”
Kolek is listed among a young, talented point guard class, including Reed Sheppard, Devin Carter, and Stephon Castle. Miami Heat draft links with Sheppard and Carter are also in the rumor winds.
Nikola Topic
Coming from Crvena Zvezda of the Serbian KLS, the Heat may be considering Serbian player Nikola Topic. The six-foot-six guard has impressed with his scoring abilities close to the basket and pick-and-roll play. Due to a partial ACL tear, Topic most likely would need time before joining the Heat roster. However, player development may benefit Topic in the meantime. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer recently highlighted Topic’s skill set and spoke about his future development.
“He can score from all angles around the basket, consistently create out of pick-and-rolls and slip passes through the narrowest windows. His three-point shot isn’t there yet, but his touch says it will be there at some point, especially if he winds up in a developmental program as high quality as the Heat’s.”
Kyshawn George
A product of the Miami Hurricanes, Kyshawn George appears to have caught the Heat’s radar due to his offensive upside. The wing shot 40.8 percent from three this past season, his only college season. He also impressed scouts with his assists and playmaking abilities. Miami has plenty of ball-handlers in Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Terry Rozier. It would be George’s scoring and passing threats that could become useful in the offensive zone.
Miami’s Draft Considerations To Target Offense
Signs are showing that the Miami Heat’s latest draft targets consist of guards and wings. With the Heat’s offense underperforming this past season, adding players with offensive and scoring capabilities could be just what Pat Riley and the Miami Heat need for the 2024-25 season.
