NBA Draft rumors 2022: 5 targets for the Miami Heat

Mar 17, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Kennedy Chandler (1) reacts as he dunks the ball against the Longwood Lancers in the first half during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 23, 2022; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Jake LaRavia (0) moves to the basket as Clemson Tigers forward Ian Schieffelin (1) defends during the first half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dawson Powers-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jake LaRavia

The Heat are expected to find a way to bring back PJ Tucker in free agency but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be looking for his successor. LaRavia isn’t the same sort of frontcourt player as Tucker but he has the ability to boost the Heat in different ways.

LaRavia isn’t a natural primary creator on the offensive end of the floor yet, but he’s got a chance to grow into that sort of player within the context of Miami’s player development program. He already possesses top-notch ability as both a passer and cutter. He’s just the sort of big who can help Miami’s offense keep ticking when things get bogged down.

There are questions about LaRavia’s ability to switch onto quick point guards at the next level but his collegiate tape at Wake Forest shows him as a big who did a great job against all manner of guards in the ACC. It might take him time to adjust to the rigors of NBA opponents but he should become a quality defender early in his career.

LaRavia is another prospect who could easily be off the board by the time the 27th pick rolls around but he should be a strong consideration for Miami as an understudy for Tucker. It’s easy to envision a scenario where he turns into a quality rotation player by the time his sophomore pro season rolls around.

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