Miami Heat should make the most of their lone draft pick – NBA Update
Despite of having the three best players in the league LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on their roster, the Miami Heat crashed down against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals and lost a big opportunity to clinch
their first NBA title since 2006.
One of the major reasons for Miami’s demise was the lack of firepower from their supporting cast. Even before the play-offs, it was observed time and again that the Heat were powered by their big three all the time and the remaining
players including the bench failed to make an impression. During the entire regular and the post season, there was only one game where the Miami reserves made their presence felt and that was the game when the star trio watched from the sidelines – Miami’s
last regular season game against Toronto Raptors.
The Miami support seems to have taken it for granted that one of the big three will fire and the team will get through. As a result, whenever the trio fell short to post a decent performance, or needed an outlet, they just couldn’t
handle the heat. This is what exactly happened in the Finals. A dramatic downfall was observed in James performance that placed the entire burden on Wade and Bosh. They played it hard, but needed someone, someone from the rest of the crew to step up.
It never happened though.
Looking at this year’s NBA draft which will be held on Thursday, the Miami Heat definitely needs some immediate help to bring in a much needed support to their superstars. Considering Miami’s lone selection will be the 31st
overall pick or more appropriately the first pick of the second round, the task to land a prolific player will be difficult as the top prospects will be drafted by then.
However, there are a number of players who have received less attention despite of having the potential of becoming the next NBA star. Miami needs to capitalize on those underrated prospects that have a reasonable talent under
their belts.
At present, Miami Heat desperately need someone at the point guard position to carry the momentum for the team along with the Big Three. In this regard, the Heat might as well set their sights on these two budding stars.
Nolan Smith
One of the best point guards of Duke University Blue Devils, Nolan Smith is an incredible all round performer and it’s a big surprise that he is ranked as the 36th best prospect in this years’ draft. Smith was the player
behind Duke’s success when Kyrie Irving was sidelined due to injury and led the college team towards their third consecutive ACC championship in his last year with the Blue Devils. He averaged 20.6 points, 5.1 assists and 4.5 boards that year which shows his
potential to carry the team on both the ends of the court. Miami can benefit from his extra special talent and infuse some energy in their rather shaky back court.
Reggie Jackson
The prolific point guard from Boston College, Reggie Jackson can be another valuable asset for the team. Miami procured Mike Bibby in the mid season to improve upon their long range prospects; however, he failed to mark an impression.
This is where Jackson steps in. He is an outstanding parameter shooter. Jackson averages 42 percent from the 3-point line in his collegiate career and he can turn on the heat for the team in the crunch time by making big shots. Reggie’s agility and athleticism
is another dominating aspect of his game-play which can do wonders for any team in the league.
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