GAME PREVIEW: Heat face tough task to avoid three-game losing skid in OKC

burks

alec what is that

If we can somehow get those two lottery picks I referred to in an earlier post PLUS make a strategic trade -or- pick up a young(er) free agent or two, this team can be transformed nearly overnight. When you stop to think about it, the Heat is undergoing a re-build/re-tooling process right before our eyes. Here’s a sample of a few players that may available to Miami if it receives two top 20 draft picks (at least one lottery):

Kasparas Jakucionis PG – Illinois (Lithuania) – HT: 6-5 – WT: NA – WING: 6-6 – Fr A floor general with size, great passing ability and a nice outside shot, Kasparas has been on a tear early in his freshman season, although has cooled off a bit lately. He does it all, impacts both ends and is a fearless leader on the court. His ceiling is probably top 5 and his draft range is ~5-12 at this point.

Egor Demin PG – BYU (Russia) – HT: 6-9 – WT: NA – WING: NA – Fr – Demin is a tall lead guard with a unique game. He has great court vision, great passing instincts and an awesome feel for the game at 6-9. He attacks close-outs well and is a good finisher in traffic. He’s also a capable shot-maker who has really improved hist outside shot, making him a complete offensive player. The BYU team has a number of future NBA level players on this year’s squad and Demin is the best of the bunch.

Thomas Sorber C – Georgetown – HT: 6-10 – WT: 255 – WING: NA – Fr – A big-bodied center who impacts both ends and rebounds the heck out of the ball. A breakout star for the Hoyas who has shown some really nice flashes.

Jeremiah Fears PG – Oklahoma – HT: 6-4 – WT: 175 – WING: NA – Fr – A lead guard with good size, court vision and shot-making ability. Gets downhill and can get into the paint at will. A good finisher who seeks out contact and draws a lot of fouls. His stock is flying.

Haman Maluach C – Duke (South Sudan) – HT: 7-2 – WT: 250 – WING: 7-6 – Fr – Maluach is an intriguing big man who has great length, size and upside. He defends the rim well and can step out on offense and hit the 3-ball. He needs to get stronger and play with more aggression. The tools are all there and the flashes he shows are really impressive – and he seems to be getting better and better every week.

Hugo Gonzalez SG – Spain – HT: 6-6 – WT: NA – WING: NA – Int.06 – Hugo plays a complete game and competes at a high level. He’s a talented shot maker, passer and has a special feel for the game. He moves well off the ball, is a great cutter and is a very capable play-maker/initiator as well

Asa Newell PF – Georgia – HT: 6-10 – WT: 220 – WING: NA – Fr – Newell is a hyper-active big forward with springs in his legs. He works hard on the court and does all the dirty work. Is very efficient with his touches and can hit the 3-ball. His stock is moving up. While he doesn’t have elite size he’s got a nice mix of athletic tools, talent and floor-spacing ability.

Boogie Fland PG – Arkansas – HT: 6-2 – WT: 165 – WING: NA – Fr – An ultra-quick lead guard who controls the pace of the game. A bucket who can score from the perimeter and is a deft ball handler who is tough to keep out of the lane. Will likely miss the rest of the season after having thumb surgery.

Rasheer Fleming C – St. Josephs – HT: 6-9 – WT: 240 – WING: NA – Jr – A burly, strong and intense PF/C who impacts both ends and can hit the 3pt shot. His breakout junior season has boosted his stock into first round territory.

The contract has ZERO to do with his ability. Tons of guys are under and over paid.

Anyways, when you’re the fastest to get to 1000 3 pointers in NBA history I think that creates a ton of gravity.