The past week has given the Miami Heat some answers related to their future. They will pick 14th in the 2017 NBA Draft, so we break down the best options.
The Miami Heat refused to tank after starting 11-30. In an ideal world, they would have been rewarded for their fight in the form of landing a top-three pick at the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery.
Unfortunately, as we all know, life is rarely fair. And thus, the dream of striking gold at the event dissipated quickly. The Heat will be picking 14th overall, the last selection among non-playoff teams.
Considering what a crapshoot a pick outside of the top 10 usually is, Pat Riley and Co. will need a bit of luck come draft night. Perhaps in the form of a player falling later than expected (like Justise Winslow did), or with their prime target still being on the board at No. 14.
Thankfully, the 2017 draft class is one of the deepest in recent memory. The Heat should be able to acquire an early contributor with their pick — someone who can help them qualify for postseason play for just the second time since LeBron James abandoned ship in 2014.
The NBA Draft Combine and lottery answered a few questions for us. Now, with just over a month remaining until the draft, we present the Heat’s five best options at No. 14.
After a rough draft lottery night, the fan base is in need of hope. And that’s what we’re here to provide.