As Miami Heat fans eagerly anticipate the addition of another star player, a reminder of a missed opportunity surfaced this weekend. Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker revealed on *The Backyard Podcast* that he believed he would be selected by the Heat with the 10th pick in the 2015 draft. Instead, Miami chose Justise Winslow, who was unexpectedly available at that spot. Booker was drafted 13th by Phoenix. “I thought I was going to Miami,” Booker said. “I had my sights set on it. Miami was my best workout, and I remember Pat Riley mentioning they were looking for a shooter like Klay Thompson. I shot 40% from three in college and thought it was a good fit.”
Winslow, who had not worked out for the Heat before the draft, was a surprise pick for Miami. Riley compared him to Draymond Green, highlighting his versatility and defensive capabilities. While Booker has become a four-time All-Star and averaged 24.3 points per game, Winslow’s tenure with Miami was less impactful. Winslow averaged 9.0 points and 5.4 rebounds over five seasons and has since played for several teams, including Toronto’s G-League squad.
The Heat have generally performed well in recent drafts, with successful picks like Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. However, the 2015 draft choice and the 2020 selection of Precious Achiuwa over Tyrese Maxey are considered missed opportunities. Maxey, who went one pick after Achiuwa, has since become an All-Star.
In other news, wing Cole Swider signed a one-year non-guaranteed deal with the Indiana Pacers after the Heat declined to offer him a standard contract. Swider, who was on a two-way contract with the Heat last season, will have a chance to prove himself with the Pacers. The Heat’s roster is currently set with 14 standard contracts and will not add a 15th until January to avoid surpassing the punitive second apron.
Additionally, the Heat’s annual Red, White & Pink intra-squad scrimmage is scheduled for October 7 at 6 p.m. at Kaseya Center. Tickets are $7, with proceeds supporting cancer care and research. The Heat will open their preseason schedule at home on October 10 against Atlanta.