ASK IRA: Is there any way to make sense of Heat bypassing Tyrese Maxey?

TL;DR

The Miami Heat opted not to draft Tyrese Maxey in 2020, choosing Precious Achiuwa instead due to roster needs at the time. This decision is viewed as an outlier in the Heat's drafting history.

Key points

Miami Heat did not draft Tyrese Maxey in 2020.
Heat selected Precious Achiuwa due to roster needs.
2020 offseason was impacted by the pandemic and quick schedule changes.

Philadelphia 76ers

Q: What has been the Heat’s attitude about not choosing to draft Tyrese Maxey when he was available to them? – Lewis.

A: I’ve answered this many (many, many) times over the years, and the reality is that it arguably is the lone outlier in the Heat’s years of drafting the best available player. The 2020 offseason was like no other, with the pandemic bubble ending with the Heat in an NBA Finals that ended on Oct. 11, 2020, that year’s draft on Nov. 18, free agency starting on Nov. 20, with the following season starting on Dec. 22. So the Heat basically stood at the moment without a power forward, with Jae Crowder moving on in free agency, and with Tyler Herro showing signs during those bubble playoffs at Disney of being a potential breakout star at shooting guard. (And, remember, that also was when Kendrick Nunn was coming off an All-Rookie season with the Heat.) So Precious Achiuwa and his intriguing game at power forward to the Heat at No. 20, and then Tyrese Maxey to the 76ers at No. 21. So. no, not necessarily the best player available, with Desmond Bane also going after Precious (at No. 30).

Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!

Q: Ira, the Heat need a true power forward. Don’t tell us about the best player available. – Eddie.

A: First, thank you for the perfect timing in light of the question above. As much as the Heat have stressed taking the best available player, be it when Chet Kammerer was making the call or now Adam Simon, the tie seemingly goes to the area of need, which seemed like the case with Kel’el Ware in 2024 and the need for depth in the middle, and perhaps even last year with Kasparas Jakucionis and the questions at point guard. That said, if the Heat had a player ranked several spots ahead of either, such a player likely would have been the choice. But also nothing wrong with need being a tiebreaker.

Q: Ira, haven’t heard of any Heat lucky charms for the lottery. Didn’t they learn from Pat Williams (Lord rest his soul) that trinkets have value? – Rolf.

A: The Heat’s disdain for the lottery is such that lucky charms would almost be acknowledgement of needing help in the process of rebuilding. Plus, when you have a 1% chance of the top pick, there’s only so much the fates can do. God bless Pat Williams and how fate dealt him the lottery riches of Dwight Howard, Chris Webber (traded for Penny Hardaway) and Shaquille O’Neal. And yet, a Magic championship when?

Q&A

Why did the Miami Heat choose Precious Achiuwa over Tyrese Maxey in the 2020 draft?

The Heat needed a power forward after Jae Crowder's departure and believed Achiuwa fit their roster needs better at that moment.

What factors influenced the Heat's drafting decisions during the 2020 offseason?

The unique circumstances of the pandemic, a quick turnaround from the NBA Finals, and the emergence of Tyler Herro influenced their focus on immediate roster needs.

How has Tyrese Maxey performed since being drafted by the 76ers?

Tyrese Maxey has shown significant potential and growth as a player since being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers, contributing effectively to their lineup.