Point guard could be a priority for Miami Heat in NBA Draft

Most mock drafts have the Miami Heat going after a point guard

At some point, the Miami Heat need to start thinking about the future.

Even with the remainder of the season in limbo because of the coronavirus suspension, the Heat brass will still have to make a decision once a date is set for the NBA Draft. While they have strengthened the roster in the past three years with lottery picks Bam Adebayo and Tyler, they are scheduled to select at No. 23. A quick search of Internet mock drafts suggests the Heat will use it on a point guard. It makes sense because an aging Goran Dragic is the only traditional point on the roster. Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler have played the position at various times but finding a long-term option is the priority.

Here's a look at some projections from various outlets, including SI.com's Jeremy Woo.

SI.com: Kira Lewis, Alabama point guard

"Miami enters the draft without a long-term point guard on the roster, and in this scenario Lewis is the best one available, and certainly a viable investment in this range."

NBAdraft.net: Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky point guard

"Good length for position with a 6’8 wingspan and 8’3.5 standing reach … Good quickness … Good body control when altering shot midair … Possesses ideal lead guard skills and basketball IQ. Unselfish, doesn’t force offense, and makes the extra pass."

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The Athletic: Tre Jones Duke guard.

"Simply put, Jones really affected winning for Duke at the college level on both ends of the floor. He made things happen as a playmaker with the ball in hand, and then also improved as a shooter in a way that went a bit unnoticed."

USA Today's Rookie Wire: Jared Butler, Baylor combo guard.

"Has been an anchor for Baylor, easily one of the best teams in college basketball. His steal (3.3%) and assist (23.8%) percentages both rank in the Top 10 in the Big 12 this season. He has been both accurate and prolific when shooting off the catch and off the dribble."

SB Nation: Leandro Bolmaro, Barcelona guard

"A 6’8 point-forward who excels as a ball handler and passer, Bolmaro hasn’t played much this season for Barcelona’s top team in Euroleague, but his combination of size and skill is unique enough to warrant a first-round pick."

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Bleacher Report: Jalen Smith, Maryland power forward

"Smith's improved body and breakout season should lead to first-round looks based on the value of bigs who stretch the floor and protect the rim."

Sporting News: Precious Achiuwa, Memphis forward

"Achiuwa combines size and athleticism that should allow him to flow between the power forward and center spots at the next level."

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Shandel Richardson
SHANDEL RICHARDSON

Shandel has covered the NBA since 2010, with previous stops at The Athletic and South Florida Sun-Sentinel.  He has covered six NBA Finals, one Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament. He has also been a beat writer for the Miami Hurricanes and contributed on every major beat in South Florida since 2003, including the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. He can also be read in the Sportsbook Review for gambling coverage from around the NBA. A native of Bloomington, Illinois, Shandel attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He's also worked for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Kansas City Star.  TWITTER: @ShandelRich EMAIL: shandelrich@gmail.com You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook here