It’s been weeks since the Miami Heat were eliminated from the playoffs. But yet, a busy off-season still awaits. Everything begins with the 2024 NBA Draft, where the Heat will have picks no. 15 and no.43. With the No. 15 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Heat can take a number of different paths, depending on whether they want to go for positional needs or upside. With that being said, here are some prospects that have been linked to the HEAT recently in mock drafts.
Zach Edey, C, Purdue
The most common name linked to Miami has been Purdue Boilermakers center Zack Edey. In ESPN’s latest mock draft, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony has Miami selecting Edey with their pick. Givony believes Edey’s four years of collegiate experience and his potential fit with All-Star Bam Adebayo makes him an appealing addition.
Edey’s positional fit alongside Bam Adebayo would be a topic of discussion in Miami, but his productivity, physicality, intensity and team-culture match would be welcomed by the Heat. Adebayo started to slowly incorporate a 3-point shot into his offensive arsenal late this season and has the type of defensive versatility that could be useful alongside another big. Edey’s offensive rebounding and interior scoring are skills the Heat lack, making him an attractive pick here.”
Jonathan Givony, ESPN
During his final year at Purdue, he averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, while shooting 62.3 percent from the field. His draft range projects from lottery to mid 20s.
Jared McCain, G, Duke
Next, we have Duke University point guard Jared McCain. One of the elite shooters in this draft, McCain has been projected to be anywhere from 15th-25th in most mock drafts. The former Duke guard is also known as one of the best shot makers and decision makers in the draft. Kevin O’Conner of The Ringer has Miami taking him at 15. O’Connor believes Jimmy Butler‘s looming extension and Tyler Herro‘s inconsistences could get Miami to take a look at him.
“With Jimmy Butler on the rocks and Tyler Herro’s continuing inconsistency, the Heat may need to rebuild their backcourt. A player as versatile as McCain could be a great place to start.”
Kevin O’Connor
In his only season with the Duke Blue Devils, he averaged 14.3 points and five assists on 46.2 percent shooting and 41.4 percent from three-point range across 36 games.
Devin Carter, G, Providence
This next prospect has some ties to the Heat organization. Devin Carter is the son of former Heat assistant and point guard Anthony Carter, who’s currently the Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach. Unlike his father, Carter is expected to get drafted in the first round. Carter is a pesky defender who’s very good at the point of attack and off the ball. The Athletic’s Sam Vucenie has Miami selecting him at 15.
“Carter was one of the best players in college basketball this past season. The son of former NBA point guard Anthony Carter, Devin was terrific in the 2022-23 season after transferring from South Carolina but leapt to another level this past campaign.
Carter has always been a terrific defensive player, rightfully nominated as a semifinalist for National Defensive Player of the Year. He is aggressive at the point of attack and has elite off-ball defensive instincts. His athleticism is basketball-functional and allows him to fly around the court. Plus, he processes the game as well as one would expect as the son of a former NBA player…”
Sam Vucenie, The Athletic
In his junior season at Providence, he averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He’s projected to get drafted in the 15-25 range.
