2012 Miami Heat Draft Preview
By Josh Baumgard
Before we take a look at some intriguing prospects for the Heat at the end of the first round in the 2012 NBA Draft, let’s take notice of a few Pat Riley draft trends:
1. Miami’s last five picks were all college seniors. Call it the Michael Beasley Effect if you’d like but Riles likes his products aged ever since B-Easy tore up South Beach.
2. The last Heat rookie to start was Dwyane Wade in 2003. So don’t start plugging anyone into the first five just yet regardless of who is selected.
3. Historically the Heat haven’t drafted well, on the WHOLE, but rather find their rotation players through free agency and trade.
(Only Wade and Cole were rotation players last year who were actually drafted by Miami)
4. Pat Riley apparently despises international players. Since his arrival as Head Coach and later President, only one foreign player was selected. They took Stanko Barac with the 39th overall pick in 2007 and immediately traded his rights to the Pacers, meaning they probably never really drafted him in the first place. He has never played in an NBA game. Here’s a lovely picture of Stanko.
Royce White, Iowa State (Sophomore)
The most enigmatic player of the draft is highly skilled, but has some issues off the court. The 6’8″ Iowa State Cyclone can handle, pass and gives me flashes of Lamar Odom. Only chance Miami has of him slipping to 27 is if rumors of a Celtics promise to him at 21 are false and if everyone decides the risk is too high. He has an anxiety disorder which makes him afraid of flying AND he’s had numerous incidents with the law like theft and assault. I’d take him top eight.
2012 College Stats: 13.4 PTS, 9.3 REB, 5.0 ASS, 54% FG, 49% FT
Likelihood of Availability at 27: Low
Level of College Competition: Medium
NBA Readiness: Unknown (Will he fly?)
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State (Sophomore)
Unquestionably one of the more NBA-ready specimens in this draft, albeit having logged just two seasons in college. A strong post game with crafty footwork attached to his 6’9″, 265 pound frame is appealing. Scouts question whether his explosiveness will hinder him at the next level. The Buckeye is too skilled of a basketball player to not make an impact. The only reason I’m even considering him in the realm of being available is because teams are apparently frightened over his back issues.
2012 College Stats: 17.2 PTS, 10.2 REB, 54% FG, 70% FT
Likelihood of Availability at 27: God Knows
Level of College Competition: High
NBA Readiness: High
Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure (Senior)
At 6’10″, this highly skilled big with a 7’4″ wingspan has to have teams salivating. With three-point range and a highly efficient offensive game (57% FG, 43% 3FG, 78% FT), he’d surely be lottery bound had he not played for a small school from who knows what state. He also slapped down an efficient 20 and 8 on third-seeded FSU in a near upset in the first round of the NCAA Tourney (They lost 66-63).
2012 College Stats: 18.5 PTS, 8.4 REB, 2.0 BLK, 57% FG, 43% 3FG, 78% FT)
Likelihood of Availability at 27: Low
Level of College Competition: Low
NBA Readiness: High
Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt (Senior)
ESPN’s Chad Ford describes him as “super athletic” and a “terrific defender” but that he doesn’t excel at creating his own shot. Creating his own shot isn’t important on this team. So the kid plays defense and shot the three ball last year at 42 percent a clip. That should work for Riles, no?
2012 College Stats: 16.1 PTS, 5.6 REB 1.3 STL 42% 3FG
Likelihood of Availability at 27: High
Level of college competition: High
NBA Readiness: Medium
Draymond Green, Michigan State (Senior)
Call him a poor man’s Mike Miller. He’s a tad darker, but brings the same skill and a strong understanding of the game. Green also happens to be 6’8″, led the Big-Ten in rebounding, and a seasoned senior coming out of one of the best programs in the country. In the words of Larry David, “What’s not to like?”
2012 College Stats: 16.2 PTS, 10.6 REB, 3.8 ASS, 1.5 STL, 1.0 BLK, 45% FG, 39% 3FG
Likelihood of Availability at 27: Medium
Level of College Competition: High
NBA Readiness: High
Festus Ezeli (Senior)
A 7-footer with a 7-6 wingspan? Now you’re talking Riley’s language. The Nigerian native averaged two blocks in his 23 minutes of action as a senior at Vandy, as foul trouble was an issue in college. If all he is is a defensive cog for 10-15 minutes a night for his career, he has value with the Heat. They can’t afford to play Bosh exclusively at center for 82 games if they want their lone star inside to remain healthy. Maybe he can learn a post move or two from Zo along the way.
2012 College Stats: 10.1 PTS, 5.9 REB, 2.0 BLK, 23 MPG, 53% FG, 60% FT
Likelihood of Availability at 27: High
Level of College Competition: Medium
NBA Readiness: Low
