NBA Draft 2020: 5 teams who need to select a power forward

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: (L-R) NBA Draft prospects Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Claxton, Sekou Doumbouya, Goga Bitazde, Keldon Johnson, Nassir Little, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Rui Hachimuri, Jarrett Culver, Cam Reddish, Coby White, Zion Williamson, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Ja Morant, De'Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, Brandon Clarke, Romeo Langford, Jaxson Hayes, Tyler Herro, Bol Bol, PJ Washington, Matisse Thybulle and Mfiondu Kabengele stand on stage with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver before the start of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Miami Heat

The postseason run for the Miami Heat suggests plenty of good times are ahead for the franchise. They have Jimmy Butler and a bunch of young players who can shoot and defend.

But the team may have a problem at power forward soon. Jae Crowder, Derrick Jones Jr., Udonis Haslem, and Meyers Leonard are all free agents. Kelly Olynyk has a player option, but even if he opts-in, he isn’t destined to be the team’s starting power forward. Bam Adebayo is a better fit at center.

The Heat is an interesting team, as they’re arguably ahead of their contention timeline. They could look for title-worthy players in free agency. They can also keep their books clear for an anticipated run at Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021.

Miami only has one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, clocking in at No. 20. Paul Reed might be a better fit with the Heat than with the Nets – his bruising style would certainly earn the admiration of Pat Riley. Reed’s three-pointer is still a work in progress, though, which is a desirable trait to continue spacing out the team’s shooters.

Another power forward option is Maryland’s

Jalen Smith

. He averaged 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game

as a sophomore

. He’s not much of a passer – and he may go sooner than No. 20 – but he has a developing three-pointer and profiles well across the board.

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