If there’s one muscle the Miami Heat has continuously flexed, it’s their ability to draft.
While the greatest player in franchise history — Dwyane Wade — arrived via the draft, one of the Heat’s fatal flaws was their ability to consistently hit on draft picks. In fairness, Miami didn’t have many first-round picks, but still flubbed multiple first-round picks post-Wade, namely Wayne Semien, Jason Smith and even Michael Beasley, taken No. 2 overall in 2008.
However, for much of the last decade, the Heat have consistently drafted players above their position. Most of those draft choices have come over the last 3-4 years. Typically, it takes at least 3-4 years to properly evaluate a player or their draft class.
However, with a pair of 2024 Heat draftees, it’s not too early.
With draft conversations heating up across the league — and fans already tracking tournament performances, mock drafts and betting markets — many are also checking the latest BetMGM online sports betting odds ahead of March Madness.
The Miami Heat nailed the 2024 NBA Draft:
Just 21 months ago, the Heat drafted polarizing center Kel’el Ware No. 15 overall followed by guard Pelle Larsson No. 44 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Both received good grades from me; I graded Ware’s selection a B, even though his talent and physical measurables were always apparent. I graded Larsson’s pick an A-.
And both of those may be too low in the end.
Ware showcased this week why he rightfully has the highest ceiling on the team. We’ve seen several flashes from him this season alone — though most of his issues stem from an inconsistent motor and mental acuity. Still, Ware has played well above his No. 15 draft choice. He has the ninth-most points, second-most rebounds, 12th-most streals and fifth-most blocks of any player from his draft class.
Meanwhile, Larsson is 21st in scoring, 10th in assists, 19th in steals and 22nd in made threes. From a mid-second-round pick, that’s very strong production.
While he’s in the midst of a cold shooting spell, Larsson is averaging 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. His point-of-attack defense, physicality and connective playmaking and constant motor have already made him one of the Heat’s most important and malleable players. Ware’s size, improved shooting (on low volume), touch and rebounding have already made him one of the Heat’s most productive when he’s engaged.
You couldn’t have asked much more from the Heat’s pair of rookies. Ware and Larsson are just 21- and 25-years-old, respectively, with plenty of room to grow, too.
They nailed it, once again. And Adam Simon deserves his flowers because of it.
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Yes! As I wrote recently, Ware is on my virtually untradeable list, followed closely by Jaquez. Pelle has proven to be a solid rotation player. Kas is looking like another hard working young player. And I give credit to the development of G league players like Gardner and Dru. Now if Jovic could just be close to average next season, that would help. I know I’m on a very lonely island when it comes to him. We’re stuck with him, so I have to hope for the best.
If he doesn’t get his mojo back by this summer, maybe the Heat can unload him as part of a larger trade.