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2019 NBA Mock Draft: Fallout from Zion Williamson’s injury gives others a chance to shine

By Brendon Kleen

SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Cam Reddish #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts to a made three-point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Cam Reddish #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts to a made three-point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Darius Garland #10 of the Vanderbilt Commodores inbounds the ball against the USC Trojans during a game at The Galen Center on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Darius Garland #10 of the Vanderbilt Commodores inbounds the ball against the USC Trojans during a game at The Galen Center on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images) /

9. player. 110. . PG. Vanderbilt. Darius Garland

Miami’s decision to play jumbo lineups all year has paid off in one area (they are eighth in the NBA in defense) but highlighted the team’s dramatic lack of playmaking, a problem that will only get worse with the departure of Dwyane Wade in the offseason. Adding Garland this summer would quickly reset the point guard position for Miami, making Justise Winslow’s playmaking ability an advantage on the wing rather than a necessity as the acting point guard.

The depth Miami once stockpiled at point guard is gone. Wade is retiring, Goran Dragic will be a free agent in 2020 and the Heat just traded Tyler Johnson. They have in part made up for that transition by developing Winslow and Josh Richardson into above-average playmakers for their position. Miami also uses Kelly Olynyk and Dion Waiters as secondary creators, creating a point guard by committee that works fine.

That’s not a way to win in the NBA long-term. Miami needs better perimeter creation to start winning in the playoffs again. They are 19th in assists per game, 25th in offense overall and 21st in 3-point efficiency despite taking a ton of triples. A bona fide starting-caliber point guard would go a long way to help the Heat get back to an offense that works.

While Garland will take a while as all rookie point guards do, the Heat have time. They have to pay Hassan Whiteside until 2020 and Olynyk until 2021. Waiters is under contract until 2022. It’s going to be a while before the Heat are out from underneath their past mistakes. Grooming Garland on a team of pros within an incredible player development program would be a great fit for the injured freshman.

Check out our full scouting report on Darius Garland.

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