Hanifan: 9 players who crack the 'my guys' list for Heat ahead of 2025 NBA Draft

2025 NBA Draft Miami Heat — The Miami Heat currently owns the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. (Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

Today is the day! The 2025 NBA Draft is here, with the Miami Heat owning the No. 20 pick.

Publicly, we know that the Heat barely worked out any projected first-rounders individually, though we know they attended workouts out West for a number of prospects projected to go in their range.

While the Heat still owns their only selection of the two-day event, who are “my guys” for them in this year’s class?! Let’s dive into it!

(Editor’s Note: This list won’t include any consensus top-10 prospect because I’m writing this as if the Heat stays at 20; we’re trying to be as realistic as possible, even though different teams have different boards, including the Heat.)

Top Tier:

Nique Clifford, G/F, Colorado State:

Covering the Mountain West basketball landscape for three years, there isn’t a player I’ve watched more in this class than Nique Clifford. And I love him. He’s an older prospect at 23-years-old, but you could argue that he’s the most complete wing that will go outside of the top-10. He’s an improved shot creator, a good 3-point shooter (37.7 3P% last 2Y), cutter, passer, an elite rebounder, a very good defender, etc. I want to see him continue to improve as a ballhandler, but the athletic 6-foot-6 wing has the makings of immediately impacting an NBA rotation and sticking for the next several years.

Cedric Coward, G, Washington State

It was unfortunate that most of Coward’s junior season was cut short due to a torn labrum. But the Washington State alum is an excellent shooter, has a reliable in-between game, is an improved connective playmaker and a high-energy (off-ball) defender. His verticality around the rim is quite impressive. His shot mechanics are super smooth and repeatable, displaying a high release with good arc and lift. I think he’s more of a stand-still shooter than a movement one, but if he continues to shore up his ballhandling and self-creation, he’s got legitimate three-level scoring potential at 6-foot-6 (7-foot-2 wingspan).

Rasheer Fleming, F, St. Joe’s

Rasheer Fleming is a physical freak, listed at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. He’s got an NBA-ready body, has a high motor, is athletic and covers a ton of ground because of his long strides and length. Fleming’s an excellent shot-blocker, an above-average rebounder and developed into a reliable 3-point shooter as a junior. His self-creation is awful, but his 3-and-D skillset and physical measurables check every box that NBA teams salivate over nowadays.

Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State

This class is littered with guards who can’t shoot. While small, Richardson is one of the few who can. He can score from all three levels, is a good decision-maker off screens and competitive-enough defensively to warrant a pick at No. 20. He didn’t have a ton of on-ball reps, but his role grew throughout the season under head coach Tom Izzo, which should say a lot about how Richardson could benefit in an NBA context.

Ben Saraf, G, Israel

Saraf is still playing basketball for Ratiopharm Ulm in the German League (Bundesliga) championships; his fifth-and-final game will be Thursday against Bayern Munich, led by former Heat guard Shabazz Napier! He’s another very good lead guard who’s got a nose for the rock, is a crafty finisher around the rim and is an improved live-decision playmaker. He’ll need to shoot it more consistently in pull-up situations, but I love the player’s skillset and competitive demeanor.

2025 NBA Draft: These 3 wings could provide immediate two-way impact for Heat

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Sorber missed Georgetown’s final 10 games with a. foot injury. Is that a concern? Of course! But the Heat do have a pressing need for a backup big, and at 20, you take the talent now and figure out the rest later. Sorber is a top-10 talent in this class. He can pass, he’s as strong as a bull, he’s an excellent shot-blocker, he’s got remarkable footwork and coordination, he’s got massive (and strong) mitts, great touch around the rim, etc.

Second Tier:

Nolan Traore, G, France

Traore is the best playmaker in this class. He’s a master at manipulating the back-line of defenses with his eyes and can make pretty much any type of pass. I do have concerns about his size, his ability to consistently hunt his own shot (before he fills out his frame) and his long-range efficiency. However, I think he has solid mechanics and would immediately help the Heat in their pursuit of a lead guard.

Danny Wolf, C, Michigan

I think Wolf is the most uniquely skilled big in this class. Do you like legitimate 7-footers who can handle and playmake like a 6-foot-4 guard?! If so, Wolf is your guy. His outside shot and rim finishing will have to become more consistent, but Wolf is incredibly skilled, can rebound and is a solid rim protector.

Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia:

I am admittedly higher on Newell than most (that probably applies to the majority of players on this list). He doesn’t have a great frame at 6-foot-9 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, but he’s an incredibly fluid mover, is switchable defensively, is a very good offensive rebounder and has real jump-shooting upside. His motor is rolling at 110 percent on every possession. He’s going to need to pack on weight, but I think he’ll operate better with NBA spacing and better guard play (which Heat need to address) than he did at Georgia. I love the tools and motor.