Some NBA Teams Have Found Gold With No. 18 Draft Pick, Giving Miami Heat Hope Tonight

The Miami Heat have the No. 18 pick in tonight’s NBA Draft.

Just a few spots outside the lottery, many teams have found success here. Let's take a look at some of the notable players taken at No. 18 since 2000:

Quentin Richardson

Drafted in 2000 by the Los Angeles Clippers, Richardson had a successful 13-year career. In his best season, he averaged 17.2 points and 6.4 rebounds along with winning the three-point contest. He had also a brief stint with the Heat in 2009-10.

David West

West was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2003. He had a prominent 15-year career, becoming a two-time All-Star and winning two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors.

J.R Smith

In the 2004 season, he was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets. Smith later became a two-time NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. In his best season, Smith averaged 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Eric Bledsoe

Bledsoe was drafted in 2010 by the Oklahoma City Thunder but was traded to the Clippers before the start of his rookie season. In his most prominent year which came with the Phoenix Suns, Bledsoe averaged 21.1 points and 6.3 assists. He now plays in China for the Shanghai Sharks.

Lonnie Walker IV

In 2018, Walker was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs and has become a solid role player. After his four seasons with the Spurs, Walker now plays for the Lakers.

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