The Miami Heat's struggles on the glass this season have been difficult to watch. While the addition of Jarvis Varnado, and the potential signing of Chris Andersen, gives Miami fans some hope for this year, team management needs to look to the future to ultimately repair this loophole in their otherwise stellar system. The addition of North Carolina forward James McAdoo could certainly assist in that department.
As some of you may remember, Heat president Pat Riley decided to trade Miami's pick from the 2012 draft to Philadelphia, in exchange for the Sixers' upcoming pick in the 2013 draft. Many questioned the deal at first but in typical Riley fashion, it seems it will work out in the Heat's favor.
As you would expect, the pick's position in the draft is dependent on Philadelphia's win-loss record. It currently resides at 15-22, four games back from the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff rankings. The pick is lottery-protected through to 2015, which means that should Philadelphia rank among the non-playoff teams when the season closes, it keeps ownership of the pick.
The draft lottery is the 14 NBA teams that did not make the playoffs, and the Sixers are on the cusp of such a placing, projected to pick at No. 11.
If the team does make the playoffs, the Heat would obtain that pick and could choose as high as 15th in the draft. It is through this that Miami could add Tar Heels forward McAdoo. He is projected to go as high as 13th by Hoops World, and as low was 16th by Draft Express. The 6'9" forward can play both positions, but isn't as quick on his feet as most wing players. In addition to this, McAdoo doesn't possess a long-range jumper and is better suited closer to the basket.
He doesn't have a spectacular leaping ability but is quick off his feet, making McAdoo a great second-jumper. This means that should his first attempt to score or secure a rebound fail, he is able to raise up again swiftly without needing to explode to the ball.
McAdoo's physicality and 7'1" wingspan makes up for his slightly undersized frame, giving him the opportunity to muscle inside for rebounds, close-range shots and drawing contact. McAdoo needs to develop a consistent post game, but can still score down-low based on pure ability rather than skill.
He bears much resemblance to Udonis Haslem in his prime, albeit with more potential. McAdoo would be a great fit as a member of the Miami Heat, not only because of his distant relation to Heat assistant coach and Hall of Fame forward Bob McAdoo, as his play style and strengths are all components that would slide seamlessly into the Miami system.
It may be a questionable outcome when the draft arrives, but if the Heat are lucky enough, and the Sixers are unlucky enough, Miami could add a fantastic young player to bolster its play inside, now and for the future.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1479842-miami-heat-could-the-heat-land-james-mcadoo-in-the-draft
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