2020 NBA Mock Draft Plus Possible Miami Heat Picks

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There are many players drawing uncertainties as they enter the NBA draft this coming year. Since teams are unable to see the players true colors during March Madness, everything seems up in the air about guys. Even though it seems as if the draft will most likely be pushed back, here’s a mock draft using the current standings.

1. Golden State Warriors: Anthony Edwards

  (Georgia, SG, 19 PPG)

Anthony Edwards is the best prospect by far in this draft since he already has a polished game that’ll translate well into the NBA.

 

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: LaMelo Ball

(Illawarra Hawks, PG, 17 PPG)

LaMelo Ball has the most potential out of any prospect in this draft, while being such a confident scorer, he has great vision averaging 8 assists per game.

 

3. Minnesota Timberwolves: Obi Toppin

(Dayton, PF, 20 PPG)

Obi Toppin is a high flying and super athletic player, who is most known for his vertical and dunk packages, while his shooting has gone majorly underrated after he improved his three ball in his last ten games.

 

4. Atlanta Hawks: Deni Avdija

(Maccabi Tel Aviv, SF, 12 PPG)

Deni is an outstanding shooter and has a great IQ for the game, and would fit in nicely next to Trae Young to try and make a Curry and Klay type of backcourt.

 

5. Detroit Pistons: James Wiseman

(Memphis, C, 20 PPG)

James Wiseman has a great feel once he gets the ball in his hands inside the paint, and would replace Drummond perfect as they can build around an improving 20 year old center.

 

6. New York Knicks: Cole Anthony

(North Carolina, PG, 19 PPG)

Cole Anthony is a very explosive point guard that would give the Knicks a fun young player to watch, who has the guts to play in a city like New York.

 

7. Chicago Bulls: RJ Hampton

(New Zealand Breakers, SG, 9 PPG)

RJ Hampton is another all around player with great scoring and passing ability, but his draft stock fell once he didn’t get as many minutes as he would’ve liked overseas.

 

8. Charlotte Hornets: Killian Hayes

(France, PG, 13 PPG)

Killian Hayes has major upside and has an opportunity to get even drafted higher with his slashing and passing abilities, and while Devonta Graham has had a great year, moving him to the 2 might be better as he has been a great three point shooter the past year.

 

9. Washington Wizards: Onyeka Okongwu

(USC, C, 16 PPG)

Okongwu has been turning heads since he played with the Ball brothers in high school, and putting his athleticism and defensive versatilities next to Wall and Beal would be a great start for the next couple of years.

 

10. Phoenix Suns: Tyrese Haliburton

(Iowa State, PG, 15 PPG)

Tyrese Haliburton has unbelievable passing abilities, and is able to play off the ball which would complement Devin Booker perfectly, and give them a young PG which is what they need.

 

11. San Antonio Spurs: Issac Okoro

(Auburn, SF, 13 PPG)

Issac Okoro is by far the best defensive wing in this draft and can guard all 5 positions at times, which will fit into the Spurs system perfectly.

 

12. Sacramento Kings: Tyrese Maxey

(Kentucky, SG, 14 PPG)

Tyrese Maxey is a player that doesn’t lack an ounce of confidence on the court with the ball in his hands, while he is streaky with his shooting ability, he would be a great spark off the bench for the Kings to replace Fox or Hield.

 

13. New Orleans Pelicans: Precious Achiuwa 

(Memphis, PF/C, 16 PPG)

Precious Achiuwa likes to establish himself in the paint at all times which causes him to draw many fouls by the basket, and he is also one of the best rebounders in this draft at only 6’9.

 

14. Portland Trail Blazers: Devin Vassell

(Florida State, SF, 13 PPG)

Devin Vassell is one of the top shooters in this draft class and can defend both the perimeter and paint at a high level, which will entice the Blazers to put him next to Lillard and McCollum.

And….

23. Miami Heat: Vernon Carey Jr

(Duke, C, 18 PPG)

Vernon Carey is a South Florida native who grew up around the Heat as he turned heads constantly in high school. He uses his size inside the paint to score, but has one of the best big man passing abilities in the draft. Having a center come off the bench who can rebound at a high level would be perfect for Miami, which is where they struggle at times.

2020 Miami Dolphins Free Agency Tracker

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Despite everything going on in the world, the new NFL league year will begin as planned and NFL Free agency has begun! Which means, the start of the most important offseason in Miami Dolphins history is upon us. Lucky for you, we will take all of the news, rumors, and free-agent signing from around the internet and bring them to you in one place-HERE.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

This is the official 2020 Miami Dolphins Free Agency Tracker.

Signings

Miami adds linebacker depth with Kamu Grugier-Hill

Dolphins re-sign Safety Adrian Colbert

Miami Patriots sign another former New England Captain

 

Dolphins poach Ted Karras from New England

The Dolphins add another special teams captain 

Miami gets someone better than Kallen Ballage for their backfield

 

Dolphins start to build out the trenches with a short deal

 

Dolphins make Byron Jones highest-paid cornerback in NFL

 

Miami signs Safety Clayton Fejedelem

 

Dolphins agree to terms with OG Ereck Flowers

 

Dolphins agree to terms with DE Shaq Lawson

Wide Receiver Isaiah Ford, Linebacker Trent Harris, and Defensive Tackle Zach Sieler have been tendered.

 

Rumors

Is Byron Jones a possibility? 

 

Dolphins have interest in EDGE Shaq Lawson

Cuts

Safety Reshad Jones

Center Daniel Kilgore

THE EXTRA YARD: Fins remain interested in Gurley, Gordon.

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Fivereasonssports and Three Yards per Carry have learned that the Miami Dolphins have an interest in acquiring former Rams running back Todd Gurley, according to a league source.

We can also corroborate the Adam Schefter report of the Dolphins being interested in acquiring Gurley via trade.

As a fall back position, or an either/or strategy, We have also learned that Miami has not closed the door on being able to sign Melvin Gordon, although efforts have proved difficult so far.

With the acquisition of Jordan Howard, any of these combinations would give the Dolphins a formidable one /two punch in the backfield.

Miami Dolphins sign ex-Patriot linebacker Elandon Roberts

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The Miami Dolphins are continuing to restock their roster during free agency. Wednesday, they signed another former New England Patriot to the roster. Linebacker Elandon Roberts is coming to the team per multiple media reports.

Roberts has spent the last four seasons with New England. His best season came in the 2017 campaign. He proved to be a sturdy linebacker for the Patriots that year. Recording 67 tackles and two sacks, he also managed to tally a pass deflection and fumble recovery.

Roberts proved very adept at getting to the quarterback, recording six quarterback hits on the year.

In four seasons with the Patriots, Roberts recorded 206 combined tackles and 14 quarterback hits for the Patriots.

He will bring experience and stability to the Miami linebacking group. Already, we have seen the likes of Kyle Van Noy come to the Miami linebacker group. Brian Flores worked with both of these guys as a member of the New England coaching staff. He knows what these two can produce.

As far as Roberts is concerned, he is a sure tackler who is not afraid to play with aggression and break up a play. He is not going to go to a Pro Bowl anytime soon. However, he is a player that is going to give it his all every single snap. These are the types of players that Flores wants to put on this football team.

The signing of Roberts on Wednesday signifies that Flores wants to build his roster similar to New England. Given how much the Patriots have gotten out of tough, grind-it-out type of players, that may not be a bad thing. One thing is for certain. Miami has a plan about how they want to construct their roster.

It will be interesting to see what the Miami Dolphins do the rest of the way. They still have the NFL Draft. Now, they are in a much better position and have flexibility when selecting.

Miami Dolphins: Jordan Howard scampers his way into town

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The Miami Dolphins have been busy in free agency, and Tuesday was no exception. They signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back Jordan Howard to a two-year deal worth north of $10 million.

Howard played with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He carried the ball 119 times for 525 yards and six touchdowns. Averaging 52.5 yards per contest, he was splitting carries with rookie Miles Sanders.

His best years to this point in his career came with the Chicago Bears. Howard rushed for over 1,000 yards in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He made the Pro Bowl in 2016 after rushing for 1,313 yards and six touchdowns. He also proved to be extremely durable in Chicago. Howard started in all 16 games in 2017, and started in 15 out of 16 games in 2018.

The Eagles had Howard play in 10 games, four of which he started.

Howard gives boost to Miami Dolphins rushing game

This is a solid pickup for a Miami Dolphins rushing attack that struggled last season. The Miami Dolphins ranked last in the entire National Football League in rushing. They recorded 305 total points on the season via the running game. Rushing for 1,156 yards on the season, they averaged 3.3 yards per carry.

Howard is definitely an upgrade for a Miami Dolphins rushing attack that needs a boost. This was a terrific signing for the team, considering they did all of their big spending earlier in the process of free agency. He is a veteran pickup that should be able to help them right away. I would not expect a Pro bowl performance from him in 2020, but you never know.

It will be interesting to see if the Miami Dolphins make more moves over the course of free agency. They have done a solid job identifying needs for their team. Not only that, we have yet to see what is going to happen in the Draft.

CORONAVIRUS Sports Tracker: Frequent Updates

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The widespread coronavirus outbreak has impacted professional and collegiate sports across the nation.

Most recent at the top….

Hey, finally some good news!

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THE MASTERS is now postponed. Could mark first time in history that the tournament is not played in April.


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THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP is now cancelled, along with every PGA event till the first week of April.

…..

Charles Barkley is among the latest to self-quarantine.

 

The Heat are working on something to help arena workers. More details to come.

 

Some NBA teams are doing the right thing.

 

Dwyane Wade doesn’t understand what the local school officials here are doing.

 

The XFL has caved. So much for the rebirth… for now.

 

It’s now infecting international soccer.

 

NBA will be suspended for 30 days.

Essentially that means the regular season is over.

 

Goodbye March Madness.

 

More details on the NBA coming soon.

 

Dan Gilbert is ahead of Micky Arison on something.

One league seems intent on outlasting all the others.

The entire ACC has postponed spring practice for all teams, which may also put the Hurricanes spring game in jeopardy.

 

Fans of the Marlins will have to wait a few extra weeks…

The American Airlines Arena has canceled all major events for the rest of March.

 

There will also be no NFL Spring meeting in Palm Beach for the time being.

 

 

The National Hockey League has suspended their season as well.

 

 

 

The Florida Atlantic University basketball season is over….

NFL now headed for a shutdown. Hard to see how free agency proceeds as scheduled…

So much for that InterMiami home debut.

Yes, it is already affecting prep for the NFL draft.

We are now waiting on the NHL.

A second NBA star has been diagnosed.

 

After it was learned Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus, the NBA has suspended the season indefinitely.

 

The NCAA had already announced that all men’s and women’s basketball tournaments would be held without fans.

 

Locally, besides the Miami Heat other sporting events are being cancelled or postponed including the upcoming Miami Open.

 

Heat Fall To Hornets Before NBA Season Suspended

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The Miami Heat fall to the Charlotte Hornets 109-98, which might’ve been the last game of the season for the Miami Heat and the rest of the NBA. The news broke that the NBA season has officially been suspended due to Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz testing positive for the Corona Virus.


Well, here’s how the game played out…

The Heat came out in the first with a similar energy they usually play with at home. Miami came out hot behind Derrick Jones Jr’s 13 point first quarter, going 3/3 from the three point line in this span. Kendrick Nunn also contributed 10 points on 4/4 shooting. The Heat only missed 3 shots in the first quarter. Miami led 40-22 at the end of the first quarter, which looked like it was heading towards a blowout.

The second and third quarters were a total nightmare for Miami. The Heat totally fell apart on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Miami played the exact opposite type of basketball that they played in the first quarter. When you live and die by the three point line, some nights aren’t going to go your way. The Heat couldn’t hit shots after the first quarter, which went from the Heat being up 20 to down 10 at the end of the third.

The Heat tried to make a late fourth quarter run behind Bam Adebayo’s big night. Bam scored 21 points along with 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Devonte Graham hit some big shots down the stretch on a 30 point night. This led to a 109-98 Miami loss on a tough night for the whole NBA.

 

Reshad Jones

Miami Dolphins: Reshad Jones set to hit free agency

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The Miami Dolphins and a Pro Bowl player are parting ways. The team is releasing Reshad Jones. In a move that will become official March 18, this will free up $5.3 million in salary cap.

It is very clear that the Miami Dolphins are going in a new direction. For his part last season, Jones played in four games, recording 27 tackles and a pass deflection.

He dealt with injuries last year, having been placed on the injured reserve  November 20 with an undisclosed injury.

Jones also dealt with rib and chest injuries. This is something that he struggled with throughout most of October and into November. To be clear, his  stint on the injured reserve was separate from the rib and chest injuries.

Jones made the Pro Bowl in the 2015 and 2017 seasons. He put up tremendous numbers in both of those years. In 2015, he tallied five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. The two touchdowns via interception the league.

In 2017, he recorded two interceptions, and recovered two fumbles four touchdowns. He has been an explosive playmaker for the Miami Dolphins ever since he came into the league in 2010.

He finishes his Miami career playing in 128 games. In addition, he recorded 21 interceptions and 55 pass deflections. He also proved to be a decent pass-rusher for Miami, recording 10.5 sacks in his Miami career.

Now at age 31, he is set to hit the market. The Miami Dolphins certainly got some of his most productive years. Jones would be an asset to any secondary.

This is certainly another move that indicates the Miami Dolphins are trying to rebuild their organization a bit. We have seen coaches come and go quite a bit this offseason, and it’s all part of the retooling the Dolphins are doing to try and compete.

Duncan Robinson is even better than you think

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Until this season, Duncan Robinson was known — if he was known at all — for borrowing two names from the greatest San Antonio Spurs in that franchise’s history.

He wasn’t a given to make the Miami Heat roster this season, not shooting especially well in summer league, where he was the Heat’s third most effective player behind rookies Tyler Herro and undrafted Kendrick Nunn.

Then, after he made the team, many of us — raising hand — weren’t sure he should be a rotation player.

Now, though?

He’s a starting fixture.

He’s making a habit of sinking four three pointers… by halftime.

He’s the Heat’s toughest cover, without whom their offense stalls and sputters.

He’s a Most Improved Player candidate, in competition with his teammate Bam Adebayo, who has come further, but not from as far away.

He’s the hottest shooter in the world.

That includes the recently returned Steph Curry. With Klay Thompson missing the season due to injury, Robinson has become the NBA’s closest facsimile, a sniper with size who is dangerous out to 30 feet.

Even with an odd bruise on his neck.

Simon Smith of Hoop Habit recently appeared on our Five on the Floor podcast from his native Australia, and provided some Robinson statistical nuggets.

But he’s been spitting out more of late.

And they’re… ridiculous…

It’s gotten to the point where the Heat struggle without him…

 

Robinson is shooting a ludicrous 52% from three-point range at home, where the Heat play their next three games, against the woeful Hornets, Knicks and Bulls — as the Heat try to improve their sterling record at AmericanAirlines Arena and move closer to securing home court in the playoffs.
Although odds are not available for all three games yet, SBD updates their odds page as each game gets closer to the tipoff. To get the most accurate stats, I suggest checking back as close to the start of each game as possible.

And even the defense is better than you think, in spite of this…

Five Attributes for Picking a Real March Madness Champion

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March Madness is a race for the toughest NCAA Basketball teams in the United States.

And this year, 2020, appears wide open.

March Madness will commence on March 17 and 18, 2020, at the University of Dayton Arena, in Dayton, Ohio. It is then succeeded by the first and second rounds along with the regional semifinals. After that, the Championship rounds will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, on April 4 and 6, 2020.

 

So, how do you pick a deserving winner in the upcoming NCAA betting odds? Below are some attributes that a worthy 2020 March Madness winner should have.

The Team Must Have Upperclassmen

In any given sport, especially in the NCAA, it’s always good to have the first five players with good skill sets. A team should demonstrate an incredible offense and defense skills that can help them edge their competitor. Aside from that, their player’s mental ability should reign supreme so they can score effectively inside the court.

 

A real NCAA champion team must have a complete lineup, including upper-classmen. If you look back to the previous years of the March Madness, most players who brought their school in the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, and Final Four were composed of junior and rookie players.

 

They Should Have Experienced Coaches

Coaches play a critical role when it comes to the team’s success. Understandably, it’s the players that you see inside the court showing their best abilities to score in and out of the perimeter. They should have that strength until the end of the game. Apart from that, they should score to win.

However, all of these are not possible without the guidance of the coaches. They are the ones who guide every player and create strategies that can help them win the game. In the previous NCAA tournaments, we have seen champions that are led by Hall of Fame coaches.

They Have Impressive Point Guards

Out of the five positions in a basketball team, the point guard has the biggest role on the court. They are considered as engines that control the whole pace of the game. They get the ball to the right player at the right time, especially down the stretch of tight contests.

In the last 11 seasons, MVP recognition was granted to point guards. So, if you are looking for a team that can emerge as the 2020 March Madness champion, then you must consider the statistics of the point guards of each group.

They Should Have Large Student Bodies

It always helps to have a cheering section. To make sure that your desired team dominates the whole game, the school typically should have a large student body. It means that the student population should come in massive numbers to the tourney site to add hype to the competing school.

Although student bodies are not the main requirement for a school to qualify the March Madness ranking, the support and cheers that each team gets can boost the team’s morale.

They Should Have Robust Defensive Skills

Offense matters, of course.

But the best way to choose an NCAA champion is to pick the team with the most impressive defense skills — the ability to hold down even the most explosive opponent.

Takeaway

Each college team that dreams of getting the March Madness title this year makes sure that they develop both their offensive and defensive skills to the best of their abilities. Hence, if you are one of those NCAA fans who wanted to pick a real March Madness winner, then you must start to look for a team who possess the attributes listed above for a sure win.