The Miami Heat’s draft selection discussions are heating up, with former Purdue centre Zach Edey back in the mix, and the 2024 NBA Draft less than a week away.
Former NCAA POY centre still in Miami Heat draft considerations. Heat-Edey draft talks are gaining momentum.
The Miami Heat draft rumours have recently swung back to Purdue big man Zach Edey. While March Madness was still in full swing, Miami and Edey were heavily rumoured to be in the 2024 NBA draft. Those discussions faded when additional college players joined in. In recent weeks, linkages between Miami and other draft prospects, namely at the guard and wing positions, have been everyday news as part of Miami’s off-season planning.
With next week’s draft coming, Edey and the Miami Heat are once again a topic of speculation.
Edey’s College Highlights
Zach Edey’s presence at Purdue increased significantly during the 2022-23 NCAA college season, which carried over into this past season when the Purdue Boilermakers reached the title game. Despite the fact that Purdue lost to the UConn Huskies, who are now back-to-back NCAA champions, Edey performed admirably. His size and paint presence piqued many people’s interest in this game and his potential as an NBA centre.
However, there was, and possibly still is, concern about Edey’s college-to-pro transition talents. Edey, who stands 7-foot-4 and weighs 300 pounds, dominated his opponents in the paint. That dominance, combined with his rebounding and rim protection, earned him two straight NCAA Player of the Year honours. This particular talent level is something the Miami Heat may want in this year’s draft.
How Miami Can Leverage Edey’s Talents
One may argue that the Heat are already established in the centre position. Bam Adebayo is a five-time All-Defensive centre who just had one of his most productive offensive seasons while also playing excellent defence. However, Adebayo is adaptable in that he does not always set his shop under the basket. Adebayo, a formidable mid-range shooter and floor spacer, might benefit from having Edey as a backup. Having Edey pitch himself under the basket would allow Adebayo to move more freely, creating more room for Miami’s guards and wings. This might lead to increased offence for players like as Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Terry Rozier. Not to mention how powerful Adebayo and Edey would be on defence.
Edey’s Transition From College to the Pros
How Edey’s NCAA game and skill will translate to the NBA has been a source of discussion. Pace and lack of speed are one of his disadvantages. Edey’s stats and paint presence were largely unmatched throughout Purdue’s March Madness run. However, it was clear that Edey moved far slower and with less movement while in position near the basket.
If there is one aspect of the NBA game that we know today, it is the fast speed, which seems to increase with each season. Today, many teams make it a point to take a good shot and score before the shot clock reaches halfway. Edey would have to adjust in some way to the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of NBA play. His size resembles a more classic, old-school centre from the 1980s and 1990s decades. Edey understands that in order to compete in the NBA, he will need to improve his game and skill level.
Drafting Edey might improve the Heat’s chances next season.
If the Miami Heat choose Zach Edey in the draft, the Heat organization’s development masterclass will take over from there. Edey might be the missing element to help Bam Adebayo reach his potential and form one of the NBA’s most lethal defensive tandems.
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