We are one day away from the Final Four tipping off! We are also less than three months from the 2026 NBA Draft. The Miami Heat own two picks in this year’s draft, so who do pundits have them drafting as the end of the NCAA Tournament nears?! Let’s examine!
SB Nation (Ricky O’Donnell): Karim Lopez, F, NZ Breakers
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Bleacher Report (Jonathan Wasserman): Nate Ament, F, Tennessee (No. 14)
“Nate Ament had a mixed postseason, highlighted by shotmaking flashes, creativity, issues converting drives and struggles against physical defense.
“There will always be demand and patience when it comes to 6’10” wings with shoot-dribble-pass skill sets, and Ament has at least 19 made field goals in ball-screen, isolation, spot-up and movement off-screen situations. He’s getting to the line at a strong rate, yet he isn’t a black hole, averaging 2.3 assists.
“The case against Ament questions if the shooting will be good enough to offset projected issues around a lack of explosion and strength for turning the corner and finishing.
“The case for him shows a mismatch and three-level scorer who can get his shot off cleanly at will due to positional height and release point.”
Alex Karaban, G/F, UConn (No. 42)
“NBA teams will eye for the same role he plays now, making spot-up and movement threes, cutting through defenses and adding good decision-making and toughness to a lineup.”
Where Matt currently has Ament ranked on his way-too-early big board: 21
Where Matt has Karaban: 41
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Indiana Pacers OnSi (Alex Golden): Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan (No. 13):
“Lendeborg is one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the class, leading the Michigan Wolverines to the Final Four with wins over Alabama and Tennessee while showcasing a well-rounded impact on both ends. A playmaking 6-foot-9 forward who helped guide Michigan to one of the nation’s top records, he scores efficiently inside and defends with strong instincts. The Miami Heat—a team that values versatile, do-it-all forwards—land a strong fit in Lendeborg as they look to bounce back next season.”
Where Matt currently has him ranked on his way-too-early big board: 12
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Yahoo Sports (Kevin O’Connor): Cameron Carr, G/F, Baylor (No. 13)
“With NBA genes in his blood as the son of former player Chris Carr, Cameron has the skills to make it in the NBA. But at 175 pounds with not a ton of games under his belt, he’s going to get introduced to the NBA’s physicality in a way that might limit his ability to get to his spots as a scorer. Thankfully, the Heat have a strong strength and conditioning program to help a guy like Carr get in peak shape to handle the rigors of the league.”
Where Matt currently has him ranked on his way-too-early big board: 9
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CBS Sports (Adam Finkelstein): Labaron Philon, G, Alabama (No. 13)
“Philon’s sophomore jump has made him both a shot-creator and shot-maker. What’s missing is the defensive impact he showed as a freshman, but in Miami, that end of the floor will be a requisite. With plenty of decisions looming for the Heat on the perimeter, he and Kasparas Jakucionis could be two compatible long-term pieces.”
Where Matt currently has him ranked on his way-too-early big board: 14
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The 5 teams immediately ahead of Miami in the standings all won tonight, leaving the Heat firmly in 10th place. Miami is now 1.0 game behind 9th place Orlando, 1.5 games behind 8th place Charlotte and 3.0 games behind 7th place Toronto.
Spo should take this opportunity to give the young players more playing time and to give the veterans time to rest and heal before the play-ins begin on April 14th. Two of the Heat’s final 5 games are against the Washington Generals.
Heat must make shocking Erik Spoelstra move that completely changed the CelticsHeat may need to shake up the front office. (excerpt from allucanheat)
“If the Miami Heat are looking to modernize their front office, they should look to take a page out of the Boston Celtics’ blueprint by moving Erik Spoelstra out of the coach’s bench and into an executive role.
While moving Spoelstra to the front office may not be popular among the fan base, it’s a tweak that could completely revolutionize this franchise. It did for the Celtics when they did the same with Brad Stevens a few years ago; the Heat could be hoping to see similar results.
Stevens, a highly touted head coach, transitioned to an executive role for the Celtics at the height of his coaching powers in 2021. It’s a move that many questioned at the time, but has paid off in a big way since.”…
Mia needs to draft the best player available. Can’t draft off need because they aren’t there as a team okc bos det teams like those can draft off of need we need talent simple as that
Good point about sometimes you are at a point where your not ready to fill in one slot and getting the best player is more appropriate.