The 2022 NBA Draft has come and gone. The Miami Heat did keep their 27th overall pick in this draft and drafted Nikola Jovic from Serbia. The Heat also picked up some undrafted players for their summer league team. Let’s get into the Heat’s activity on draft night.
The Heat Drafted Nikola Jovic with 27th Pick
As previously mentioned, the Heat took Jovic 27th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Quite a few Heat fans expected the Heat to trade this pick, but they did not. Jovic is only 19 years old and he averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup. These numbers are impressive for such a young player.
There are some questions about Nikola Jovic’s defense, however. Jovic also only weighs 223 pounds despite being six feet, 11 inches tall. It seems likely that Jovic will have to bulk up to handle the larger, more physical forwards in the NBA. Any defensive deficiencies he might have will be limited by the Heat’s overall excellent defense and the many good defensive players they already have. His upside at only 19 years old is also very high.
Jamaal Cain Will Play for the Heat’s Summer League Team
As usual, the Heat were active in pursuing undrafted players on draft night. One player that has agreed to play for the Heat’s summer league team is Jamal Cain. Cain played his first four college seasons at Marquette before playing a fifth season at Oakland.
In his final college season, Cain averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. The 6-7 forward was also named the Horizon League Co-Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season. He definitely shows some promise and it will be interesting to see him play for the Heat’s summer league team.
Bryce Hamilton Will Be A Part of the Heat’s Summer League Team
Another player who has committed to playing for the Heat’s summer league team is Bryce Hamilton. Hamilton spent four seasons playing for UNLV. In his senior season, Hamilton averaged 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Hamilton definitely appears to be more of a score-first guard. Hopefully, he will have a good showing in the summer league.
The Heat Drafted Nikola Jovic and Got Some Undrafted Players
The Heat were quite active on draft night, despite only having one pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The selection of Nikola Jovic at #27 is certainly interesting and his offensive game seems promising. The undrafted players that will play for the Heat’s summer league team are interesting, as well. Overall, it was an active draft night for the Heat and hopefully one that benefits the team moving forward.