Conventional wisdom coming into Thursday night’s NBA Draft was that the Miami Heat would be selecting a point guard. Team sources indicated earlier in the week that if all things remained the same (with their pick) they would most likely draft a general.
Things didn’t exactly remain the same but the mission was still accomplished.
Miami found a willing and familiar partner in the Minnesota Timberwolves to ensure they acquired the player they wanted.
By trading the 31st pick, a future 2nd round pick, and future cash considerations to the Minnesota Timberwolves the Heat acquired Norris Cole (the 28th pick). The details of the entire deal are actually too convoluted to explain but that was the last report of the deal. Unofficially.
Minnesota continues to confound the mind and Miami got what they needed.
Cole is a 6’2 guard out of Cleveland State who was projected by most to slip into the second round. With averages of 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in his senior season Cole was named the Horizon League Player of the year and Defensive Player of the League.
Admittedly the Horizon League isn’t exactly the ACC, Big East or SEC but Cole makes a lot of sense for the Heat. He will not be expected to come in and do anything remotely close to what he did at Cleveland State and being groomed by the Heat’s superstar trio should do wonders for his acclamation to the NBA.
He will challenge Mario Chalmers for the starting guard spot and will almost assuredly be a rotation player next season even if he doesn’t start.
The only question that remains is why Miami felt the need to trade up for Norris and the responsibility of paying guaranteed money to a first round pick.One can only speculate that the Heat brass were worried Cole would not be available only three picks later.
The Miami Heat officials were unable to comment due to the league’s rules and unofficial completion of the transaction. Regardless, Norris Cole is the newest member of the Miami Heat and Pat Riley once again gets his man.
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Written by Warren Shaw
I am an avid Basketball fan who has worked for the New York Knicks, Alonzo Mourning Charities and various other sports organizations. Having covered many NBA and various professional sporting events has given me the opportunity to provide insight with an unbiased but flavor driven view. I look forward to providing NBA content and interacting with knowledgeable fans and readers.
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