The Miami Heat have a strong mix of veterans and young stars. The team has been consistent with their draft picks over the past few seasons. Players such as Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic have proven their worth in the rotation with the latter already inking a rookie contract extension. Now, the Heat have the opportunity to add another young player with potential using their upcoming first-round draft pick.
Bleacher Report released their updated two-round mock draft. In their projection, Miami holds the No. 15 selection, just outside the lottery and select Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament. The 18-year-old's pro comparison is Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick of the 2024 NBA draft. Risacher has had growing pains since joining the NBA but is still viewed as a strong young player.
"The combination of 6'10" size and guard/wing skills will continue to create the idea of potential and upside with Nate Ament," the article wrote. "However, scouts are becoming less enthusiastic about his current play and outlook as he's struggling against Tennessee's credible opponents. Shooting 39.8 percent from the floor, he has been brutal trying to finish around the rim without strength or explosion. He has clear shotmaking ability from the perimeter, but his jumper isn't saving him right now, with Ament at 28.3 percent on threes. He is getting to the line and making enough passes that show some playmaking IQ. And there is no teaching his ability to just rise up and shoot over defenders with his high release. However, Ament is currently losing steam during a draft cycle with so many other exciting prospects."
Ament is helping lead the Volunteers to a solid season thus far. Tennessee sits just inside the top 25 rankings at No. 24 with a 12-5 record. The forward is averaging 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Ament was viewed as a five-star recruit and was the No. 4 recruit in the ESPN recruitment rankings heading into this season. If Ament joins Miami, he would presumably take over the Andrew Wiggins role as a strong small forward. All he needs to do is improve his shooting efficiency.
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