Day 13 of our 2017 NBA Draftmas special focuses on the draft needs and targets of the Miami Heat.

Summary

The Heat finished the 2016-17 season with a 41-41 record, just missing the playoffs as the nine seed. Miami ranked 21st in offense and fifth in defense under head coach Erik Spoelstra, who has a .609 winning percentage through nine seasons with the team.

The Heat need to drastically improve their offense, although with the centerpiece of Hassan Whiteside, they have plenty of hope moving forward.

Whiteside has blossomed into a superstar since being waived three times by two NBA teams. The 7-footer averaged 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks per game this season.

Along his side stands 6-foot-3 point guard Goran Dragic, who also had his best career season to date, averaging 20 points and six assists per game. Miami has a great duo in Whiteside and Dragic, although we cannot overlook their talented wing players.

Tyler Johnson, Justice Winslow, James Johnson and Josh Richardson all look to be returning next season, while Dion Waiters is in search of a long-term deal under the new collective bargaining agreement. Waiters averaged 16 points per game last season and would be a significant loss.

Rotoworld.com reports that Chris “Bosh’s lawyers and the players’ union had tentatively agreed to a resolution that would clear Bosh’s money off of Miami’s books and allow him to sign elsewhere.” It looks likes the Chris Bosh situation is finally coming to an end, which means the Heat will be able to resign Waiters and address their power forward needs through the draft or with a trade.

Miami Heat 2017 Draft Profile Picks & Needs

Miami has only one pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

First Round: No. 14

The Heat have a glaring need at the power forward position. With a pick in the middle of the first round, they will have a multitude of options to fill the void.

Targets & Thoughts

Option 1

Pick #14: John Collins, Power Forward/Center, Wake Forest

Collins is a 6-foot-10, 225-pound big man with incredible athleticism and strength. He excels at scoring and rebounding as he averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

The Demon Deacon was ranked 16th in the nation in offensive efficiency, 10th in offensive rebounding percentage and 17th in overall offensive rating.

These statistics show that he is an elite offensive player. He would be a perfect fit next to Whiteside, as he is an effective scorer from both the post as well as from mid-range.

Also, by adding his offensive rebounding next to Whiteside, the Heat would become arguably the most dominant offensive rebounding team in the league. If Miami is lucky enough to land Collins, they will have found a dominant offensive big man who can significantly increase their offensive efficiency.

Option 2

Pick #14: Harry Giles, Power Forward/Center, Duke

Giles is somewhat of an unknown commodity. He averaged only a tick over 11 minutes per game in his freshman season, as he was recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee that occurred in the fall of 2016. Although this was not his first knee surgery, as he tore his ACL, MLC and meniscus in the same knee back in 2013.

Before the injury concerns, Giles was being compared to players like Kevin Garnett because of his size, athleticism, rebounding and offensive and defensive ability. The 6-foot-10 freshman has elite quickness and explosiveness for his size, even after the multiple knee surgeries.

His offensive game is extremely versatile as he possesses a great presence in the post while also being able to step out and hit a 15-footer with ease.

His size, strength and athleticism will allow him to defend multiple positions, only increasing his overall versatility. If Giles’ injuries are behind him, he will be the steal of the draft.

Other possible options include TJ Leaf (UCLA), Bam Adebayo (Kentucky) or Ivan Rabb (CAL)

Conclusion

With Chris Bosh’s NBA future in jeopardy, the Miami Heat have a serious hole at the power forward position. With a mid-first round pick, the team will have a few different options to select from.

John Collins is an elite offensive player who can make an immediate impact at the next level. Harry Giles’ injury history is very serious, although his size, athleticism and skill set will make him an incredible mid-first round pick.

Either of these options would significantly improve Miami’s roster and most likely propel them into the playoffs.

Thanks for checking out the Miami Heat 2017 NBA Draft profile and tune in tomorrow for day 14 of NBA Draftmas to see what the Portland Trailblazers may do.

Featured Image by Wikipedia.com

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