2019 NBA Mock Draft: No one in the lottery wants to lose

Doumbouya hasn’t been able to get back to the level he showed off in his first game back from thumb surgery. In that game, back on Feb. 9, Doumbouya overpowered Strasbourg for 9 points and 5 rebounds, getting past the defense for transition points and showing the physical advantages even as a teenager that he will carry to the NBA.

Since then, though, he’s been quiet, not once scoring more than four points in a game or playing more than 17 minutes. This is the situation for many young international players who aren’t capable of handling an entire offense like Luka Doncic — it’s playing a role, fitting into a system and finding ways to impact winning. That’s a vastly different situation than most college basketball players in the United States, not necessarily better or worse, but it does create a sizable adjustment going from teenager in Europe to No. 10 NBA pick.

The Heat are uniquely situated to get the most out of someone like Doumbouya. First, they have built a system that emphasized team basketball, two-way play and physical fitness. All three will be important for Doumbouya in the NBA. At 6-foot-9 and 230 pounds at just age 18, Doumbouya may continue to grow and fill out, making a superior NBA training staff all the more important for him. In addition, Miami will not be afraid to put the ball in his hands and give Doumbouya unique situations to succeed.

This year, Justise Winslow is the Heat’s primary point guard and creator, which allows the Heat to play big and put more shooting on the floor. A similar level of creativity could ultimately help Doumbouya thrive. Doumbouya is a player who will be able to turn defense and rebounding into instant offense with his quickness and physicality. He will just need a coach creative and trusting enough to let him do it.