For Miami Heat fans, few draft-day what-ifs sting quite like the one that got away. The question keeps coming up: Why did the Heat pass on Tyrese Maxey in 2020? Let's break down the context, because it's a fascinating case study in the balance between drafting the best player available and addressing team needs.
The 2020 offseason was unlike any in NBA history. Coming off a stunning bubble run that ended in the NBA Finals on October 11, the Heat had just 38 days until the draft on November 18, followed immediately by free agency on November 20. The season would tip off again on December 22. It was a whirlwind, and Miami was facing a glaring hole at power forward with Jae Crowder set to depart in free agency.
Meanwhile, the backcourt looked crowded. Tyler Herro had just exploded onto the scene during the bubble playoffs, looking like a future star at shooting guard. Kendrick Nunn was coming off an All-Rookie season. So when the Heat picked at No. 20, they went with Precious Achiuwa, an intriguing power forward prospect. The very next pick? Tyrese Maxey to the 76ers at No. 21. Desmond Bane, another guard who has become a star, went later at No. 30.
In hindsight, it's arguably the biggest outlier in Miami's otherwise strong track record of drafting the best player available. The team has long preached that philosophy, but when needs are pressing and the talent gap is narrow, need often becomes the tiebreaker. That pattern showed again in 2024 when the Heat selected Kel'el Ware to address center depth, and in 2023 with point guard prospect Kasparas Jakucionis. If a player is ranked several spots ahead, they'll take him. But when it's close, the roster's immediate needs can tip the scales.
As for the lottery itself, don't expect the Heat to lean on lucky charms or superstition. Their well-documented disdain for the lottery is rooted in a belief that relying on luck is almost an admission that rebuilding is necessary. For a franchise that prides itself on culture and development, they'd rather build through smart decisions than hope for a lucky bounce of the ping-pong balls.