The Miami Heat have fallen off a bit since making their Cinderella Run to the NBA Finals in 2023. However, the long, drawn-out divorce from Jimmy Butler has brought some optimism, as the Heat received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell, and, more importantly, a protected first-round pick in exchange for him.
The Heat desperately need someone to run their offense and set up plays, a void left by Butler, which could now be filled with the No. 20 pick they received from the Golden State Warriors.
Miami Heat Predicted To Select Versatile Point Guard in the First Round of 2026 NBA Draft
Miami’s organization is synonymous with Heat Culture, where identifying and maximizing overlooked players has become the norm for President Pat Riley and Head Coach Erik Spoelstra. The Heat will try to hit on another talented contributor with the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and the Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann predicts it would be France’s Nolan Traore.
“Traore’s stock seemingly has been in free fall from the moment he lit up the Nike Hoop Summit in April 2024,” Mann noted. “He was projected as a drink-stirring lead guard who could use his speed and wiggliness to create advantages with the ball in his hands, but aside from a recent surge for Saint-Quentin, there hasn’t been enough reliably efficient scoring.
“Miami has a history of taking disappointing performers with major pedigree and instilling confidence in them. Is there a huge difference between Traore and someone like Jeremiah Fears, who’s projected to go much higher? Several NBA decision-makers don’t think so. Maybe Miami is among that group, too.”
Traore has a lethal first step and terrific speed, which enables him to get to the rim at a high rate and keep his offense afloat. That’s important since his jump shot isn’t polished yet, as he shot just 37% from the field and 26.9% from 3 this season for Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball in LNB Élite, which is France’s top basketball league.
Nolan Traore #SaintQuentin
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— Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) June 4, 2025
However, the good news is that he improved his free-throw percentage from 60.7% last year to 71.0% this season, a notable leap that suggests some overall shooting improvement is on the horizon. It’s, however, worth noting that Traore has just turned 19 years old, and while his shooting and physical strength do need some work, that’s where the Heat’s development system comes into play.
PFSN’s Projection For Heat And Traore
In PFSN’s latest NBA mock draft by Ian Cummings, the Heat is projected to select Georgia standout Asa Newell with the No. 20 pick, finally bringing in an adequate backup center for Bam Adebayo.
“At 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan, Asa Newell is a fluid athlete with tools to mold,” wrote Cummings. “He’s known for his energy and rebounding on second-chance plays. His 3-point shot isn’t consistent yet (just under 30%), but he’s confident and willing. In Miami, Newell could thrive as a versatile big alongside Bam Adebayo.”
Meanwhile, Cummings projected Traore will be taken off the board early at No. 16 by the Orlando Magic.
“Nolan Traore checks several boxes physically. He’s 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds with a 6-foot-8 wingspan,” Cummings wrote. “He’ll need to get stronger and more consistent, but Traore’s burst, length, and versatility at the point guard spot stand out.
“The Orlando Magic need someone who can get the ball to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner while still creating on their own. Traore’s playmaking is still developing, but he’s shown flashes of using his gravity to open up chances for others. His speed is a real weapon.”
