2020 NBA Draft mock 5.0: First 31 picks in early October

2020 NBA Draft mock #20: Miami Heat- Tyrese Maxey

The Heat are in the NBA Finals thanks in large part to two mid-first round picks from Kentucky in Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Yes, Jimmy Butler is the star, and Goran Dragic has scored well, but the two former Wildcats have played massive roles in their success.

Selecting Tyrese Maxey largely hinges on how the Heat view him and their other pieces long-term. They have Butler, Herro, and Kendrick Nunn locked in. Andre Iguodala is also under contract next season. The Heat will have to re-sign Dragic and Jae Crowder if they plan on keeping them in Miami. They could use a point guard and lead ball-handler even if Dragic is back.

Maxey was more of a score-first guard at Kentucky, but he would not be the first Wildcat to display additional skills in the NBA. The 19-year-old averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 34.5 minutes per game this season. There are some questions about his jumper, but that should be mitigated playing on a team with strong spacing like the Heat.

Tyrese Maxey brings energy and effort on both ends of the floor. He could go down as one of the steals of the 2020 NBA Draft if he falls to the Miami Heat at pick 20. The 6’3 combo guard has an intriguing skill set and a high ceiling, so do not be surprised to see him off the board earlier.

Next: No. 21