2010 NBA Draft: Miami Heat Draft Preview
There is only one certainty in the 2010 NBA Draft. John Wall will be selected by the Washington Wizards with the first pick. Nobody is questioning that.
There’s a better chance of Lebron going overseas then that not happening. After Wall’s name is announced by commissioner David Stern tonight at around 7:00 p.m., is when the fun begins.
Will Evan Turner or Derick Favors go second and will the Sixers even be making that selection? Is Miami done clearing cap space is there a couple more players on their way out?
After the Miami Heat’s latest move last night, trading the no.18 pick and Daquan Cook for the Thunder’s no.32 pick , don’t expect anything too wild from Pat Riley’s end. That is unless he finds a suitor for Michael Beasley.
Although I’m not fond of getting rid of the no.2 overall pick from the 2008 draft just yet, if shedding his salary guarantee’s the signing of Wade and two other big time free agents (Bosh and James?), I’m all for it, even if it means getting nothing but cap space in return.
The Heat have four second round picks beginning with No.32 overall. They also have the No.41, No.42, and No.48 picks. They are likely to keep them all because second round contracts are not guaranteed and have a smaller cap hold, giving Miami even more wiggle room come free agency.
The good thing about this draft for Miami is that after around the top twenty players, the next twenty or so picks are hard to get an accurate projection because of depth.
This draft is particularly deep in the middle with plenty of solid second and third tier guys lasting well into round two.
Remember these picks are likely going to be slotted in as role players, so the Heat can afford to pick particular guys to fit certain skills.
Size and shooting come to mind. The following are potential Heat targets at each spot.
No.32
Damion James (SF, Texas) – James would be ideal because he can defend multiple positions, has no character issues, and is a complete player. Athletically he’s in the top tier as well. He’s as polished a player as there is in this draft and is ready to make an immediate impact. He is a Pat Riley player and if he lasts to No.32 and we don’t take him I’m going to go Tyson nuts.
NBA Comparison : Tony Allen/Shawn Marion
Jordan Crawford (SG, Xavier) – Scoring machine. That’s Crawford’s calling at the next level. His role in the NBA will be a change of pace guy of the bench who can score in bunches.
NBA Comparison: Jamal Crawford
Quincy Pondexter (SF, Washington) – One of the best in in the nation last year after dominating the Pac-12 to the tune of 19.3 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 52% FG, 82% FT, and 35% 3FG. He’s lightning quick and gets to the rim with ease.
NBA Comparison: Dorell Wright (Stronger version)
James Anderson (SG, Oklahoma St) - Another slasher/scorer on the wing who dominated last season (22.3 points). He has deep range and can score from anywhere on the floor. Not as athletic as the Anderson or James. Anderson is a crafty scorer.
NBA Comparison : Paul Pierce/ Nick Anderson
No.41, No.42, No.48
Jarvis Varnado (C, Miss State) - Varnado would be an upgrade over Joel Anthony as a backup center. His length (7-4 wingspan) and explosive athleticism make him a phenomenal shot blocker (4.7 blocks) and help defender. He’s very light for his size (6′10″, 210) and will get pummeled by physical big men inside until he starts putting on the pounds. He would be a steal here even though his offense is raw.
NBA Comparison: Theo Ratliff
Trevor Booker (PF, Clemson) – Booker was highly productive in his four years of college. He will make it in the NBA because of his physicality and scoring ability (15.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.4 blocks last year).
NBA Comparison : Brandon Bass
Stanley Robinson (SF/PF, Conn) – Robinson is a high flyer. He was one of my favorite players in the NCAA to watch last year because every time he wows you with his physical gifts. Once he adds some pounds to his lanky frame (6′8″ 210) he should be able to play both the 3 and 4 spots. He reminds me of a skinnier Josh Smith.
NBA Comparison : Josh Smith (Not as good on D)
Andy Rautins (SG, Syracuse) – Is Rautins a 10 year NBA starter? Probably not. He does have a particular skill should allow him to make it in the pro’s. He can shoot the crap out of a basketball.
NBA Comparison : J.J. Reddick
Dextor Pittman (C, Texas) – He is one large man (6′11″, 300) and has improved every year at Texas. He can be a solid starting center one day given the right situation. Nabbing a guy this big and skilled this late would be thievery.
NBA Comparison: Jamal Magloire (From years ago not the stiff he is now)
Dwyane Collins (PF, Miami) - I had the privilege of experiencing Dwyane’s athleticism first hand when he threw down a tomahawk jam on my starting center in high school. If he can develop a mid range jumper he will be a fixture in this league for years. He has the ability to become a beast defensively.
NBA Comparison : P.J. Brown (more athletic)
Derrick Caracter (PF, UTEP) - I love his game, but Caracter has some character issues. I enjoyed that. Anyway he reminds me of Glen Davis in that he knows how to take advantage of his bus-wide frame inside (14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds). High risk/high reward guy who might be worth a flier in the late second round.
NBA Comparison : Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis
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