To some, Kevin Durant looks like an NBA labor hero for asking to skip town with four years and $198 million remaining on his deal.  Others see him as the dude trying to take the easy way out. 

 

As for his trade request, it would defy logic for the Brooklyn Nets to move Durant.  He’s perhaps the league’s most lethal scorer because of his arsenal and the mismatches a 6’11 frame creates. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the organization is bending over backward, acquiescing to KD’s wishes and looking for a negotiating partner. 

 

 

Durant doesn’t have any leverage.  Willingly putting him on the market is a dereliction of duty by the front office.  They have not realized that whatever could be sent back for him won’t be as impactful as the man who already wears the uniform.  Taking on assets for the future is risky as well.  There is no guarantee the players picked will hit.  

 

Keeping Durant ensures the team is always in the mix, competing or at least the headlines.  How many opportunities will any franchise get to have a guy like KD signed long-term?  He’s a made man who needs to be convinced the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.  

 

 Offensively, the Slim Reaper has no weaknesses and is one of the rare players in the NBA who would fit well next to any playstyle.  When a man as gifted as he has already committed to a team like that, the plan should be trying to fix whatever the differences between the two camps are.     

 

The team has Kyrie Irving riding shotgun for at least one more year.  The Nets should have asked Durant the moment he gave notice why he can’t make it work for $198 million?  Why can’t he commit to the team as they did to him while he spent an entire year recovering from an Achilles tear?  They believed enough in him to devote themselves for four years when no one knew what version of the Easy Money Sniper was coming back.  But here we are. The ink on Durant’s extension hasn’t dried, and his interests are elsewhere. 

 

Helping the team win 1/3 playoff rounds he’s participated in and only playing in 106 games as a Net in three seasons shouldn’t buy him the cache to make such an asinine favor.    

 

Ben Simmons still has not made his debut for Brooklyn.  His size, versatility, and explosive lateral quickness make him one of the NBA’s premier defenders.  He can switch on opponents in zone or man coverage, which will fix some of the Nets’ weak spots while also benefiting the offense by adding transition opportunities.  

 

There are few athletes in the NBA like Simmons.  In fact, Durant hasn’t played with a specimen like him since he was Russell Westbrook’s teammate in Oklahoma City from 2008-2016.  Simmons is a threat whenever he puts his head down and attacks the basket.  His role as a playmaker while sharing the floor with Irving would leave #11 in single coverage while playing off-ball.  Kyrie wouldn’t have to work as hard getting open to avoid traps and doubles.  

 

Running pick ‘n’ roll with Simmons as the screener for Durant or Irving could be a nightmare for opponents to guard.  The man setting the pick always gets open after the player he pinned shakes loose.  If Simmons gets the ball back on the roll, he can attack if the lane is clear, or if he catches a pair of help defenders, he could pass out to an open teammate on the baseline or perimeter.  In this play, the Nets could use Ben at center surrounded by a few sharpshooters like Joe Harris, Irving, and Durant to spread out defenders.

 

This team has never gotten close to maximizing its full potential.  Injuries were a factor but Irving selfishly avoiding taking the COVID vaccine negatively affected how the team performed as well.  Perhaps if he were available for more than 29 regular season games, the Nets would have been a higher seed than seventh and likely seen a different opponent in round one.  

 

Going forward, per Executive Order 62, courtesy of New York City mayor Eric Adams’ signature on March 24, Irving’s vaccination status won’t prevent him from contributing next season as it did in 2021/2022.

 

Management shouldn’t give in to Durant’s desires.  It’s perfectly feasible that Brooklyn’s star threesome can make things interesting next season.   Not giving Durant, Irving, and Simmons the chance to take the floor together would be a colossal failure.

 

If the Nets capitulate, it will prove they are an unserious organization.  

 

****

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With Thursday’s NBA Draft finally here, I’ve put together a list of 25 players for my Miami Heat “Big Board”.  With help from Brady Hawk and Greg Sylvander sharing information about who Miami has worked out, I included those players in addition to prospects I felt were fits for the Heat’s system. The Heat are among many teams who may choose to move out of the late 1st round, so I included prospects who would be good fits in the 2nd round or even signed as undrafted free agents. To help Heat fans catch up, I’ve made a comparison to a historical Heat player they may be more familiar with!

 

EJ Liddell OSU 2021-22 Season Highlights | 19.4 PPG 7.9 RBG 49.0 FG%

• EJ Liddell (6’6” F Ohio State) – Played as an undersized post for much of his time at Ohio State. Terrific switchable defender on the ball and protects the rim. In comparison to the other defensive-minded 4’s on this list, he brings the best complimentary offensive game right away. That being said, it can still use some polish with ball handling and passing skills.  Likely taken ahead of Miami’s 27th pick based on most mock drafts.  

Historic Heat Comp:  more athletic PJ Tucker

 

Jaden Hardy G League Ignite 2021-22 Season Highlights | 17.7 PPG 4.6 RPG 3.7 BLK

• Jaden Hardy (6’4” G Ignite) – Provides a skill set that Miami lacks on its roster. Hardy has a deep bag of ball handling moves and can create a shot on his own. He seems to project immediately as a volume scorer off the bench with the potential to grow into a much more lethal scorer with more complimentary skills. Many rumors of him sliding could put him in range of Miami’s 27th pick.  

Historic Heat Comp: Dion Waiters

 

Blake Wesley 2021-22 Notre Dame Season Highlights | 14.4 PPG 2.4 APG 40.4 FG%

• Blake Wesley (6’3” G Notre Dame) – The highest ranked player on most big boards that worked out for Miami. Wesley is an elusive ball handler and score-first player but still needs consistency in his shot and finishing. Near 7’ wingspan and athleticism provides a huge defensive upside. 

Historic Heat Comp: Kevin Edwards

 

“Serbian Sensation” Nikola Jovic 2021-22 Mega Mozzart Season Highlights | 11.7 PPG 42.8 FG% 35.6 3P%

• Nikola Jovic (6’10” F Serbia) – With many defensive minded 4’s on this list, Jovic brings guard skills as nearly a 7 footer. Still a project that will need development on both ends, but his skillset is the mold for modern stretch 4’s. Defensively is a long way from capable of defending at even an average level in the NBA.  

Historic Heat Comp: younger Rashard Lewis

 

Naismith & SEC DPOY Walker Kessler 2021-22 Auburn Season Highlights | 11.4 PPG 4.6 BLK

• Walker Kessler (7’0” C Auburn) – Athletic big and elite shot blocker. Needs to get stronger to defend NBA bigs. Good screener and finisher, only a roller at this point but has shown flashes of becoming a pick and pop big. 

Historic Heat Comp: Hassan Whiteside without the baggage

 

Jake Laravia Wake Forest 2021-22 Season Highlights | 14.6 PPG 55.9 FG% 38.4 3P%

• Jake LaRavia (6’7” F Wake Forest) – Creative passer and good spot-up shooter. Doesn’t provide much off the bounce, but moves well without the ball. While he lacks elite athleticism, competes on defense and can defend multiple positions if he adds NBA strength. Fits what Miami likes at the 4, so likely why Miami worked him out. 

Historic Heat Comp: Shane Battier

 

Andrew Nembhard 2021-22 Gonzaga Season Highlights | 11.8 PPG 5.8 APG 45.2 FG%

• Andrew Nembhard (6’3” G Gonzaga) – Coming into the draft at 22 years old, seems close to an NBA ready backup PG. High IQ creator and very physical guard on both ends. Three-level potential, but shot could use polishing. 

Historic Heat Comp: Beno Udrih

 

Caleb Houstan || Freshman Highlights ||

• Caleb Houstan (6’8” F Michigan) – Another fit in the mold of what Miami wants in a complimentary piece next to Jimmy and Bam in the front court. Obviously the Juwan Howard connection at Michigan provides great insight into his projection in Miami. Great catch and shoot threat, high IQ passer, but limited off the bounce. Not the best athlete but should survive defensively. 

Historic Heat Comp: Markieff Morris

 

Christian Koloko | Arizona | 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Christian Koloko (6’11” C Arizona) – Huge potential as shot blocker and finisher, but if you’re Miami, can he fit next to Bam without a jumper? He’s still very raw and would require added strength and development. In theory, he’s an intriguing prospect but not sure the fit is there for the Heat.  

Historic Heat Comp: Jarvis Varnado

 

National Champion Christian Braun 2021-22 Kansas Season Highlights | 14.1 PPG 6.5 RPG 49.5 FG%

• Christian Braun (6’6” G Kansas) – Pesky, high-energy defender and superb athlete who thrives in the open floor. Needs to add NBA strength and consistent outside shot to stick in the league. Worked out for Miami and fits the mold of wings who the Heat have developed over recent years. 

Historic Heat Comp: Josh Richardson

 

Justin Lewis 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Justin Lewis (6’6” F Marquette) – Strong, long (7’2” wingspan), switchable defender. Worked out for Miami and would seem to be an ideal fit in their defensive system. Still needs polish offensively to compliment his defensive strengths. 

Historic Heat Comp: James Johnson without guard skills

 

Josh Minnott | Memphis | 2021-2022 Season Highlights

• Josh Minott (6’8” F Memphis) – Elite athlete with high-flying bounce. Switchable defender with elite upside, but must add NBA strength to play small-ball 5. Offense is a huge project to develop with no real shooting, passing, or dribbling skills. Worked out for Miami and would address the lacking athleticism on the roster. 

Historic Heat Comp: Mark Strickland

 

Dereon Seabron | NC State | 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Dereon Seabron (6’7” G NC State) – Athletic guard who specializes in getting downhill (80% of FGA at the rim). Poor shooter at this point so would require development in that area. Defensive-upside with his length. Miami worked him out and will fill the need for rim pressure on the perimeter. 

Historic Heat Comp: Qyntel Woods

 

Jabari Walker 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Jabari Walker (6’9” F Colorado) – Switchable defender who has high defensive upside. Not quite athletic enough to play the 3, not strong/big enough to survive at the 4. His offensive game needs polish to stick in the league long term. Miami worked him out and fits the mold they’ve used at the 4. 

Historic Heat Comp: more athletic Samaki Walker

 

Keon Ellis | Alabama | 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Keon Ellis (6’6” G Alabama) – Creates havoc as an on-ball defender with this athleticism and length (6’9” wingspan). Worked out for Miami and would be ideal playing the top of their 2-2-1 press. Offensive upside is there, but needs polish. 

Historic Heat Comp: James Ennis

 

John Butler | Florida State | 2021-22 Season Highlights

• John Butler (7’0” F Florida State) – While certainly a development project, Butler is a 7 footer who can defend multiple positions and is a knockdown shooter (39%) from outside. Could develop into a pick and pop big, but needs to add strength (only 175 lbs.) to survive in the NBA. 

Historic Heat Comp: taller Okaro White

 

Moussa Diabate | Michigan | 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Moussa Diabate (6’10” F Michigan) – Switchable defender with length (7’2” wingspan). Effective rebounder. Useful as a pick & roll big, but has limited offensive skill outside of that. Worked out for Miami and played for Juwan Howard at Michigan. 

Historic Heat Comp: Willie Reed

 

Jaylin Williams | Arkansas | 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Jaylin Williams (6’9” F Arkansas) – Another defensive-minded 4, but lacks athleticism and shooting ability to fit the Heat’s mold. He is considered to be the best charge taker in the draft, so he already bought into the Heat Culture. Would need significant development on the offensive end to become an NBA rotation player. 

Historic Heat Comp: Grant Long

 

Julian Champagnie | St. John’s | 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Julian Champagnie (6’8” G/F St John’s) – Scorer who does most of his damage on the perimeter. Doesn’t have elite quickness, but can create shots off the dribble. Needs improvement off the catch and shoot mechanics likely would be tweaked. Has high defensive “two-way” upside and is already a very effective off-ball defender. Worked out for Miami. 

Historic Heat Comp: Rasual Butler

 

Jordan Hall: 2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report

• Jordan Hall (6’7” G St Joseph’s) – Not a great athlete overall, but displays excellent passing abilities for his size. Will need to improve as a shooter and show ability to defend at NBA level. 

Historic Heat Comp: Shaun Livingston

 

2x Big East POY Collin Gillespie 2021-22 Season Highlights | 15.6 PPG 43.4 FG%

• Collin Gillespie (6’3” G Villanova) – With Miami’s history of developing shooters, and Villanova’s history of putting guards into the league, this could be a great development match. Gillespie is a rare five-year senior who shot 42% from behind the arc who brings a mature control of running an offense. He plays with a high motor, but likely will struggle to defend NBA guard. 

Historic Heat Comp: Damon Jones

 

Jamaree Bouyea: 2022 NBA Draft Mini Scouting Report

• Jamaree Bouyea (6’2” G San Francisco) – Likely an undrafted prospect, Bouyea could draw attention as an all-around point guard with great creation ability. His 6’7” wingspan and abilities away from the ball could be developed into a capable defender. 

Historic Heat Comp: Norris Cole

 

Jared Rhoden: 2022 NBA Draft Mini Scouting Report

• Jared Rhoden (6’6” G Seton Hall) – Lacks elite athleticism, but was a volume scorer for Seton Hall. Could develop into an off the bench bucket getter with solid defense.

Historic Heat Comp: Kasib Powell

 

Trevion Williams 2021-22 Season Highlights

• Trevion Williams (6’8” F Purdue) – Lacks in the defensive skills that are typically identified with a Heat forward, but projects as a pick and roll big with strong passing skills out of the short roll. Will need to improve his outside shot and find a way to survive defensively as a slower, undersized big. 

Historic Heat Comp: Yante Maten

 

Quenton Jackson Drosp 28 PTS In Win At No. 25 Alabama!

• Quenton Jackson (6’4” G Texas A&M) – Combo guard who can provide scoring punch. Good athlete with two-way potential. Entering draft at 23 years old. Worked out for Miami. 

Historic Heat Comp: Khalid Reeves

 

*****

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The Warriors should have filled out a missing persons report for Draymond Green.  Maybe it would help remind him of Game 4 at Boston Friday night. 

 

Golden State started Wednesday evening’s affair on their backfoot.  Boston had a double-digit lead in seven minutes because the Warriors were overhelping on non-threatening shooters causing them to be late on closeouts, while also having to play 4-on-5 offensively on innumerable possessions and getting assaulted on the glass.

 

Tatum looked for Curry on the perimeter through forced switches so he could have the smaller man on an island.  Advancing to the hole, Curry would get caught at Tatum’s hip, making help on the cut necessary but exposing the baseline or perimeter.  

 

Climbing out of a 12-point deficit at halftime is no simple task no matter how great the personnel on the losing side is.  The Warriors came out of the break sharper and outscored the Celtics through 12 minutes, 33-25, attacking on the fast break, running pick ‘n’ roll and capitalizing on second chance points. 

 

In the halfcourt, Curry used a double drag screen from Looney and Wiggins on the perimeter to get Horford on a mismatch.  Al dropped unnecessarily as Curry turned the corner of the screen at the top of the key and splashed a deep tray. 

 

Defending the screen and roll in transition, Boston’s big-man, again, dropped into the paint while Curry stopped on a dime at the right elbow and hit nothing but nylon. Horford must have thought he was still defending Miami’s Kyle Lowry from the previous series.

 

 Golden State was down four going into the final stretch but Boston’s counter, ramping up the RPMs defensively, was too large an obstacle to overcome.  It only made it easier for the Celtics to defend while Green was on the perimeter because of all the space given to him.  The Warriors only scored 11 points in the fourth quarter on 33% shooting from the field and 11% from deep.

 

This series could look a lot differently if Green was living up the reputation of his name.  It’s hard to convince anyone a player is performing up to expectations when they have more turnovers than made field goals three games into a series.

 

One can only wonder what would have been the Warriors fate Sunday night if the referees called double technical fouls on Green and Jaylen Brown for their entanglement.  In the regular season, more has been made out of less.  Green already had one technical foul.  He was lucky the refs didn’t have quick whistles.

 

The NBA Communications department said Zach Zarba’s ref crew handled the situation correctly by just calling it a defensive foul on Green in Game 2.

 

Regardless, of what the league says, it could reasonably be argued the situation warranted double Ts.  Brown escalated matters by swiping Green’s legs off his side and then Green shoved his back and pulled himself up by grabbing Brown’s shorts before they exchanged unpleasantries.  

 

The series sits at 2-1 favoring the Celtics, but in order for the Warriors to have a chance on the road in Game 4 they’ll need more than what their starting power forward is giving them. Green’s defense in Game 3 was out of control. He fouled out in crunch time and his final statline read 2 points on 1/4 attempts, 3 assist and 4 rebounds.  Celtics players defended by #23 shot 6/16 from the field, yet he only contested four of those shots because of his reaching habit.  Playing like a free safety hasn’t worked well for one of the NBA’s best help defenders. 

 

On Wednesday, the Warriors gave up 52 paint points.  That’s on the group because the perimeter is the first area guarded.  A defense can only do so much when there’s a breakdown up top.  It’s difficult to expect a waning player like Green to cover so much ground.

 

On the other side, Green has trouble getting open in the post or paint.  More off and on-ball screens would help.  The man scarifying his body always has a short window to get the ball.  And hitting open shots would be a plus instead of leaving enough bricks on the court to start the construction of a new arena.

 

The Warriors have been in this position before going into a Game 4 in a hostile environment but that was seven years ago and the Warriors are now looking at a younger version of themselves.  Curry was once the golden goose of the league like Tatum is today.  Thompson was the ideal right hand man.  Brown’s current role.  Green was the swiss army knife complimenting the two but his edge has dulled.  Smart is that guy now.  And Kerr.  He led them to the promised land as a rookie head coach.  Ime Udoka is two wins away from doing the same thing for Boston.

 

****

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For Boston, the refs, the ghost of Red Auerbach, and Jaylen Brown’s 41 piece weren’t enough to shake down the Heat minus their best player in the second half of Game 3. 

 

It was evident from the first couple of minutes that the Miami Heat weren’t going to get punked while surrounded by a sea of green.  Jayson Tatum looked for Max Strus on Boston’s first possession through a forced switch and drove to the hole but was provoked into a tough running floater that missed.  Kyle Lowry recovered the rock and pushed up the court to find Strus on the right wing for a triple.

 

Boston’s next possession. Al Horford had a mismatch in the left post with Lowry fronting for the entry feed.  Daniel Theis passed inside but the ball was batted away by Strus into Lowry’s hands for the takeaway.   

 

On the Celtics’ third try, Jaylen Brown was baited by Strus into taking an iso step-back 3-pointer at the top of the key.  It resulted in a rebound by Jimmy Butler, a quick outlet pass to Bam Adebayo who took the ball up court and crossed over Horford for a finishing cut at the rim.  

 

All five of Miami’s starters had scored on the first six shots of the opening quarter. Halfway through the period, the Boston fans had the same look on their faces as Heat supporters did during Thursday romping in Miami. Similar to the expression on Marlon Brando’s face at the end of Apocalypse Now when he whispers, “the horror, the horror.”

 

 The visiting team climbed to a 24-7 lead as it pummeled away at their opponent’s interior, converting 10/15 buckets in the box and 6/10 shots outside the square coming from transition opportunities and kickbacks from dribble penetration.

 

Adebayo has caught a lot of smoke for his poor play in Game 2, but to my understanding, he heard all of that noise.  Through the first two outings of the series, Miami’s big-man had only taken 10 shots from the field.  After the first half Saturday, Adebayo attempted 8/12 with his actions coming from attacking the paint in transition, a mix of post moves ending in a layup or hitting fall-away jumpers in the lane and pick ‘n’ roll.

 

It’s on Adebayo to be this dude every night.

 

Just before the conclusion of the first half, Miami had a 25-point lead, but their focus slipped.  The Celtics forced the Heat into low percentage and rushed shots, got out on the break, Horford hit an and-1 and Tatum splashed a corner banger with .5 seconds remaining, cutting the advantage to 15 heading into the third quarter.

 

There wasn’t much security in Miami’s lead before the final 24 minutes because Butler’s right knee was bothering him with inflammation.  Victor Oladipo started the third period in his place after sitting for a pair of quarters.  He was on the floor 71% of the second half, guarding his yard and disturbing Boston’s ball handlers. 

 

I thought Marcus Smart was done for this series as he screamed in agony and called for help following a failed attempt at an offensive rebound.  He challenged Lowry, bumping him in the air but Smart’s right foot didn’t come down flat and Miami’s point guard fell into his leg.  He could barely put weight on it when two trainers helped him hop to the locker room.

 

But then the broadcast showed a live feed of Smart running like Forrest Gump through the tunnel and back out to the court.  Some witch doctor cleared him to play with a sprained ankle.  As he made his way back to the floor, the crowd was hysterical, celebrating him like he helped raise the American flag at the top of Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima. 

 

Past the midway point of the fourth, Tatum appeared to hurt his shoulder when Oladipo stripped the ball from him on a right cut.  He dropped to the floor as the next two possessions continued, frantically holding the base of his arm.  

 

I was about to pour one out for Tatum’s season but he was back on the court a couple of minutes later. For the second time in one half, Boston’s medical team performed some miraculous healing.  Perhaps they should be nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or 

Medicine.  Or more likely the case, those theatrics are going to buy Tatum a long career in Hollywood when his playing days are over if he chooses.

 

I’m no doctor, but it sure was strange observing Tatum jump to the floor for a loose ball on his first possession back, or when he crashed into Adebayo’s screen with his right shoulder and knocked him over, feeling nothing.  

 

It’s important to note that for 47/48 minutes of regulation, Miami had meagerly taken seven free throws and Boston got 30.  It’s a very odd disparity.  The Heat attempted 34 field goals in the paint in Game 3 and Boston had 32.  

 

In crunch time, Jaylen Brown canned a deep tray from the left wing with help from an off-ball screen by Horford, making it a 12-0 Celtic run. Boston was down a point and Miami needed a basket like an adrenaline shot to the chest.  

 

But the Heat got away.  Strus curled from the corner to the right wing and nailed a 3-pointer with Adebayo setting a pindown in front of him, making Grant Williams go under, buying time for the release, and starting a 7-0 run that created too much separation for the Celtics to recover from.    

 

Without Butler in the second half, Adebayo and co. pulled off a signature dub on the road, avoiding being down a game in any series this postseason.  Two down, two to go.

 

*****

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