How Pat Riley Turned Something Into Nothing

When the Miami Heat traded up in last year’s draft to select Shabazz Napier, it raised many eyebrows. Not only because they moved up in the first round to select a player that was widely regarded as a second round talent, but more importantly, after leading his team to an NCAA championship, Napier received a ringing endorsement from Miami’s LeBron James, the center of the basketball universe.

So when Miami made the selection undoubtedly solely to please James, no one batted an eye. After all, what better way to use a first round pick than to appease the best player in the game? Three days after the draft, Dwyane Wade announced he was opting out of his remaining 2-year/$41 million contract, seemingly to free up money to re-sign James, and fellow RFA Chris Bosh. Nevertheless, Napier’s selection and Wade’s decision seemed to indicate the King was staying in Miami. Of course we all know how the story goes, James spurns Pat Riley and the Heat to join Cleveland—Cavs go to the Finals and Heat miss the playoffs.

Napier didn’t exactly make a splash last season either; he played in 51 games averaging just 5.1 PPG. He spent the majority of the season playing behind Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole; and when Cole was dealt last February in a trade that brought Goran Dragic to Miami, it appeared Napier’s future in Miami was in doubt.

When Miami traded Napier earlier this week, it quickly closed a chapter in a book the Heat most likely wish they never opened. Proponents of the Heat will quickly point out that trading Napier to the Magic saved the team close to $4.5 million in salary and luxury taxes, but that’s just putting a positive spin on a pick the team should’ve never made. In reality, the Heat would’ve been better off if their 2014 first round pick vanished into thin air—at least that would’ve saved them more than they ultimately gave up to acquire Napier.

Let’s start on June 24^th of last year. The Heat, nervous if they were unable to select Shabazz Napier could lose the greatest small forward of all-time (crazy logic, I know), felt it necessary to move up. Ultimately, they traded their own first round pick (26^th overall pick P.J. Hairston), a 2014 second rounder, a 2019 second rounder, and cash for Napier. Then, on Monday, the Heat unloaded Napier and even more cash to the Magic for a heavily protected second round pick that has absolutely ZERO chance of materializing (Orlando would have to finish next season with a top five record to convey the pick).

In conclusion, the Heat gave up a first-round pick, two second-round picks, cash and more cash for nothing. I’m not saying Shabazz Napier’s nothing—but they don’t have him anymore, and they don’t have any of those picks either.

So how does this then happen?

What?!? We’re not only giving Pat Riley a mulligan on last year’s draft but we’re praising his expertise? Joseph Zapatelli writes…

“How this Napier trade impacts the Heat’s future moves is unclear, but as of right now, this looks like one of many clever moves Pat Riley has conducted this offseason in hopes of making the Heat a legitimate contender for an NBA title.”

“The Miami Heat have agreed to trade Shabazz Napier to the Orlando Magic in exchange for a future second round pick and, while the deal may not look like much at first glance, this trade could prove to be another shrewd move orchestrated by the Godfather himself, Pat Riley.”

Let’s be clear. Riley is building this team to win now. In fact, right after completing the Napier trade, Riley sent Zoran Dragic to Boston along with a 2020 second round pick and $1.5 million in cash for another heavily protected second round pick that most likely will not convey, once again to save money on luxury taxes. As Ira Winderman points out, the Heat certainly will not be looking to build through the draft soon.

“The trade with the Celtics put the Heat even deeper into draft debt, the Heat now owe a future first-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers (likely 2016) from the 2010 LeBron James sign-and-trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers; a pair of future first-round picks to the Phoenix Suns (likely 2018 and 2021) from last season’s acquisition of the Dragics; a 2016 second-round pick to the Celtics from the 2014 Joel Anthony salary dump; a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks (likely 2017) from the Ennis draft-night acquisition; a 2019 second-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves from the 2014 draft-night draft with the Charlotte Hornets to acquire Napier; and now this 2020 second-round pick.”

The Heat are not due any future draft picks from other teams in either round.”

If the Heat believe it’s wise to abandon the draft and build a team through trades and free agency, good luck to them! I recall the Knicks trying to do the same thing, trading away picks for a combination of guys in their 30’s and cap space; and we all know how that worked out. But let’s not get crazy praising Pat Riley for trading a guy he never should’ve traded for on draft night solely to avoid paying taxes. Napier was not a good pick and depleting cash and future draft picks just to acquire him and then trade him one season later was not an “expert” move.

Orlando Summer League Roster Recap 2014

Boston Celtics

Player to watch: Marcus Smart Assuming Rondo is on his way out, this is gonna be Smart’s team to run. People are in love with his size and his work ethic, but can he develop the shot Rondo never could?

Notable rookies: James Young Boston absolutely stole this dude with the #18 pick in this year’s draft. He’s a crafty lefty with a reliable jumper and should improve greatly over the next few years.

Other players to watch: Kelly Olynyk Boston’s 2013 lottery pick is back for another summer to build on his rookie campaign. With a year under his belt, C’s fans would hope for a productive summer league.

How did he get here? Edwin Jackson Jackson’s a 24-year-old guard from France. He’s been playing professionally overseas for 7 years and I bet that streak continues.

 

Brooklyn Nets

Player to watch: Markel Brown Allegedly, the Nets bought this pick for a cool mill. Marcus Smart’s backcourt mate does bring a lot to the table. He’s a solid offensive player that doesn’t try to do too much.  He was a four year player at OK State and has been praised as a natural leader.

Notable rookie: Xavier Thames Thames is a knockdown shooter who could’ve gone much higher in the draft. He’s an undersized two that probably won’t be able to play the point at the NBA level. He needs to play off the ball to thrive.

Other players to watch: Mason Plumlee If you watched the Nets play last year, you’re aware of the impact Plumlee made. He’s an aggressive big that can finish around the rim. He’s one of the few bright spots going forward for the Nets.

How did he get here? Donte Green At 25, Green is starting to get a bit long in the tooth. He had a decent 2009/10 season with the Kings, but hasn’t played in the league since the Celtics waived him in 2012. Good luck, youngblood!

Detroit Pistons

Player to watch: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope The 2013 #8 pick showed flashes of brilliance last year, but I won’t hold him personally responsible for what became of the Pistons’ 2013/14 season. I think there’s a good chance KCP puts up some gawdy scoring numbers in Orlando.

Notable rookie: Spencer Dinwiddie Dinwiddie’s a 6’6” combo guard who knows how to get to the hoop. He’s also a solid shooter from anywhere on the floor. He could end up being a real steal for the Pistons at #38.

Other player to watch: Peyton Siva Siva spent the majority of last season sitting behind Brandon Jennings and if your ear’s to the street, he could be possibly sitting behind Isaiah Thomas soon as well. If you’re a Peyton Siva fan, this might be your only chance to see him on the hardwood.

How did he get here? Tim Olbrecht Olbrecht has NBA experience. 12 minutes of it. The 25-year-old German played in three games with Houston in 2012/13. He’ll probably never make the main stage again.

Indiana Pacers

Player to watch: Solomon Hill A lot of people thought Indiana made a big splash last year when they selected Hill with the 23^rd pick in the draft. They didn’t. He only appeared in 28 games averaging 1.8 PPG. Maybe he can turn things around this year.

Notable rookie: None Pacers didn’t have any picks in the 2014 draft and just seem to be loading their summer league team with dudes that will end up somewhere else.

Other player to watch: Donald Sloan Let’s be honest, no one here is too excited to see Sloan play, but he has been able to stay afloat in the NBA since 2011. Perhaps he can catch on with the Pacers after appearing in 48 games with them last year.

How did he get here? Lavoy Allen After being close to a real NBA player with the Sixers in 2012, Allen is entering his 4^th NBA season in summer league. Allen played a career low 8 minutes per game last season.

Memphis Grizzlies

Player to watch: Jordan Adams The Grizzlies selected Adams with the 21^st overall pick in this year’s draft. He’s a solid shooter and should be able to help the Grizz’ backcourt, but isn’t much of an athlete. He could be a liability defending wings.

Notable rookie: Jarnell Stokes Originally selected by Utah, Memphis dealt a future 2^nd rounder in exchange for Stokes. He’s a bit undersized for a PF at 6’8”, but he’s got a big body and can establish himself in the post.

Other player to watch: Jamaal Franklin Many were excited when the Grizz selected the SDSU product with the 41^st pick in last year’s draft. They were expecting Kawhi Leonard. Instead they got a guy who averaged less than a bucket last season. This could be a make or break season for Franklin.

How did he get here? Niels Giffey Giffey helped win two chips at Connecticut. He’s a knockdown shooter, but is there any room for a guy who averaged 4.6 PPG over his four-year career? I’m saying no.

Miami Heat

Player to watch: Shabazz Napier We’re gonna combine player to watch with notable rookie here because there’s only one player here anybody (the team and fans) care about, LBJ’s hand-selected late first-round pick. Say goodbye to Mario Chalmers.

Other player to watch: Larry Drew II Drew’s a solid ball distributor who lost his job at UNC to Kendall Marshall three years ago and has struggled to find relevancy since. At 24 years old, he might not get many more chances.

How did he get here? Tyler Honeycutt This guy’s bad news. The first time someone believed in him, he made zero impact in the league. He’s known mostly for being on the take at UCLA and burning his former agent.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Player to watch: Mitch McGary Many thought the Thunder reached for McGary when they took him 21^st in this year’s draft, but hey, sometimes you gotta go out and get the guy you want. He’s a quick big man willing to crash the boards, but his offensive game needs some work.

Notable rookie: Semaj Christon The 55^th overall pick in this year’s draft is a quick point guard who loves to play in transition and can get to the rim. His jumper’s a bit shaky right now.

Other players to watch: Steven Adams Kendrick Perkins, don’t get too comfortable. The Thunder have found your replacement. I think he’s already better than you.

How did he get here? Nolan Smith After two years of cold chilling on Portland’s bench, Nolan Smith is trying to catch on somewhere. Part of me believes it won’t be in the States.

Orlando Magic

Player to watch: Aaron Gordon

Gordon might take a few years to develop but I really believe this guy can’t miss. So do many others judging by the way he rocketed up the draft board last June. However, he still needs to work on everything relative to shooting a basketball.

Notable rookie: Elfrid Payton Payton’s another guy who worked his way up the board last week. He’s a tall, quick point guard with an excellent handle who can get to the rim.

Other player to watch: Victor Oladipo After playing last year at the point, Oladipo should benefit from more opportunities to play off the ball this year.

How did he get here? Seth Curry/ Kim English Two shooters that didn’t play in the league last year. Two shooters who won’t play in the league this year.

Philadelphia 76ers

Player to watch: Nerlens Noel After basically not playing basketball for 18 months, everyone’s anxious to see Noel begin his rookie campaign. Noel is still very unpolished at the offensive end, but should be able to contribute immediately on the defensive end. Notable rookie: K.J. McDaniels McDaniels played three seasons at Clemson. He’s an excellent rebounder despite standing just 6’6” and plays well in transition.  Look for McDaniels to contribute immediately on the defensive end where he can guard the 1, 2, and 3.

Other player to watch: Travis Bader Bader, an undrafted guard from Oakland, knocked down 504 3-pointers over his four years over his career. Although he may have trouble guarding NBA twos, it is worth noting that he has some size at 6’5”.

How did he get there? Aaron Craft This guy isn’t even a prospect. He’s a solid defender with a high basketball IQ, but he’s in over his head here. I cannot describe how bad his jumper looks.