How did the Orlando Magic’s rivals fare in the NBA Draft?
By Joe Buckley
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat were stuck with one of the later picks of the lottery with the 14th pick. They surprised some by selecting Kentucky Wildcats center Bam Adebayo.
Adebayo can definitely be listed as an “upside” pick. While his body is most definitely NBA-ready, his overall game might not be.
The Heat had some space at the 4, and Adebayo will likely be stashed away for some garbage-time growing, living on a steady diet of putback dunks and showing off an ability to guard three positions.
In terms of the upcoming season, the pick does not really move the needle for the Heat. They are much more focused on riding the momentum of their terrific run in the second half of last season. They were never fully healthy, yet still amazed coaches and players alike with their turnaround.
With the NBA granting Chris Bosh‘s medical waiver, the Heat suddenly have a significant amount of cap room to use this offseason. That could make them players for someone like Blake Griffin or Paul Millsap if that is the direction the Heat want to go. They will have significant cap space to work with to improve this summer.
They have to be current favorites to replace the Bulls in the playoffs.