Miami Heat Have Plenty Options At No. 18 In Thursday's NBA Draft

Iowa's Kris Murray, Dereck Lively II (Duke) and Jeff Howard (Michigan) among the possibilities for the Miami Heat with 18th pick

Miami Heat's Top 3 Draft Prospects to Target with the 18th Overall Pick

With the NBA Draft quickly approaching, the Miami Heat should have their eye on a few main prospects after the Finals loss to the Denver Nuggets.

They should look to improve their depth at guard and center with players who can help them win now. Here's a look at three potential players they could target.

Kris Murray, forward, Iowa

Murray declared for the draft after an impressive freshman season and is the perfect player for helping them win. He averaged 20.2 points and 7.9 rebounds on 47 percent shooting. What makes Murray so intriguing as a prospect is his ability to score in the paint paired with his durability. He only missed four games last season. The Heat struggled at 3-point shooting and inside scoring.

Murray's only weaknesses are his ability to create off the dribble and as a facilitator. He could help the Heat in a reserve role.

Dereck Lively II, center, Duke

The 7-foot-1 Lively is regarded as one of the best interior defenders in the draft, largely because of a 7-7 wingspan. The Heat are in need of a backup to starting center Bam Adebayo. In college, Lively averaged just 5.2 points and 5.4 rebounds but also 2.4 blocks. He also shot 65 percent from the field.

Lively is a great fit for any team looking to contend right now as his game should transfer smoothly. Many general managers and executives do believe he could be off the board before the Heat pick. If he does fall, they could benefit from his shot-blocking and overall defense.

Jett Howard, guard, Michigan

Howard just wrapped up a solid freshman season and is regarded as one of the best three-point shooters in the class. He averaged 14 points and shot 37 percent from the arc.

At 6-8, he adds a lot of needed size for the Heat as they often found themselves in mismatches against the Nuggets. Although he may not be the best option to win now, the Heat could help improve his game on the defensive side of the ball. Howard’s knockdown three-point ability paired with good size at the guard position is what makes him a good fit in Miami.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com