NBA Draft 2012: 5 Bold Ideas for the Miami Heat's No. 27 Pick

The Miami Heat have the 27th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. If they want to stay amongst the NBA elite, they will have to add a few parts.

The Heat's biggest need is an athletic center. Chris Bosh is better as a power forward, and Udonis Haslem is better off the bench. A center who is strong defensively and can provide some offense is much needed.

In addition, the Heat would like to add a versatile wingman in the mold of Shane Battier. If they can get someone who can score, while also spelling LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, they'll be happy.

The 27th pick usually does not feature top talent, but there have been some good players taken in that slot.

Previous 27th picks include Dennis Rodman, John Salmons and Kendrick Perkins.

If the Heat can add either an athletic big man or a versatile swingman, it'll be a success.

We'll give you five bold selections the Heat can make to improve their team. 

Draymond Green

Green, a 6'8" senior from Michigan State, is a versatile performer who can player either the small or power forward positions. 

In his senior season, Green averaged 16.2 points and 10.6 rebounds. That type of production would be quite welcome on the Heat.

Green, who is projected as a late first-round pick, is an equally adept scorer and rebounder, and can also pass pretty well.

His biggest question mark is whether he has the speed to stay with 4-forwards.

However, he would provide toughness and rebounding ability off the bench for the Heat and can chip in some points too.

Green is a relatively safe pick, but he doesn't have the biggest upside. He projects as a solid, dependable role player—just what the Heat need.

Green should be available at 27 and would be a fine pick for MIami. 

Fab Melo

The Heat need a big, athletic center and Fab Melo fits that bill. At 7'0", Melo provides an intimidating defensive presence.

Melo averaged 2.9 blocks per game last season with Syracuse and that shot-blocking ability would be perfect for the Heat.

Melo isn't the best offensive player, but the Heat have got things under control on that side of the ball.

All they would need Melo to do is protect the paint and block shots. He's certainly capable of that.

It's unclear if Melo will be available at 27. He would also be a good fit for the Boston Celtics at 21 or 22. 

Melo's defensive ability would be worth trading up to make sure the hated Celts don't get him.

If Melo does slide to 27, the Heat will run their card up to the podium.

Melo is a perfect fit for the Heat, and they should do what they can to secure his services. 

Royce White

Royce White has a fear of flying. Otherwise, we might be talking about him as a lottery pick.

The 6'8" forward is very athletic, can handle the ball and is a great scorer. 

He is a classic point forward: He can play a traditional 4 role, but can also handle and distribute the ball.

He has everything NBA talent evaluators look for. Except for the fear of flying.

As White puts it, it's not as big of a deal as it used to be: [via SI]

"

"It's not as much of a challenge as people think," he told reporters after his workout with the Pacers. "But it's something I live with every day and have to be conscious of."

"

Still, NBA teams travel a lot and they will spend a lot of time evaluating White to make sure they're comfortable with his anxiety.

If they are, they could get a steal.

White is a slasher who can get to the rim, but is not afraid to shoot or pass.

If he's selected by the Heat, he could spell LeBron James and play a similar role. He could also play at the 4 alongside James, or even the 2. He's a versatile player.

If the Heat are comfortable with White, then he would be a good pick. He could play three positions and provide scoring and energy off the bench. Perhaps even more importantly, he could spell James and they can still run the same type of offense. This will keep James fresh for the playoffs.

White's scoring ability would be welcome on the Heat, and his fear of flying shouldn't prevent the Heat from selecting him. 

Kyle O'Quinn

From Cinderella to the big bad Heat?

It's possible for Kyle O'Quinn.

O'Quinn was the leader of the Norfolk State team that shocked the NCAA basketball world and beat Missouri in the first round.

In that game, O'Quinn scored 26 points and grabbed 14 boards.

The 6'10" senior is very athletic and could fill in as a big man off the bench.

O'Quinn might not project as a starter right away, but he has scoring ability and can hold his own defensively. He would add much needed depth in the frontcourt for the Heat. 

O'Quinn is being projected as a mid-second-round pick, so taking O'Quinn at 27 might be a bit of a reach.

But big men don't grow on trees and O'Quinn should become a solid one. Taking O'Quinn at 27 would a wise move.

He would provide the Heat with valuable depth and could contribute offensively as well. 

Quincy Miller

In 2010, Quincy Miller was the top prospect in the class of 2011.

But a torn ACL his senior season made his transition to Baylor rougher than expected.

Instead of putting up superstar numbers, Miller averaged 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Those are still good numbers for a freshman, but not what was expected of him in high school.

Miller is now two years removed from that injury; his knee should be stronger.

Miller can score from a variety of places (he shot 34.8 percent from three-point range this past season). He has great length with a 7'4" wingspan.

Body wise, he looks like Kevin Durant. At 6'10', 219 pounds, he's right around where Durant stands.

His length should make him a great defensive player, capable of playing and guarding multiple positions.

However, right now, he's all potential. He's not the best athlete and is not ready for prime time yet.

Still, he has ability and the Heat could live without an impact player. If they develop Miller properly, they will reap the benefits in a few years.

If Miller lives up to his Kevin Durant-like potential, then the Heat will be even more dangerous. Imagine a team of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and someone who plays like Kevin Durant. They would be unstoppable.

Miller is a luxury pick and the Heat won't see much benefit next season. In a few years, if they are patient and lucky, Miller could turn out to be one of the best players from this draft.