Pippen Ain’t Easy’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Final two-round forecast

While the Miami Heat are a very well-balanced and rounded-out squad, they are still lacking in a few areas. Of these deficiencies, playmaking at the point guard position is among the most noticeable. The Heat have been so desperate to fill this void, they handed over a likely ill-advised $85 million deal to Kyle Lowry last summer.

If Lowry continues to decline as a dependable playoff performer, the Heat will be looking for a young option to lighten his workload in the regular season. Kennedy Chandler would be the perfect fit here, as he generated 4.5 assists per game and directed Tennessee’s offense en route to a 27-8 record. His size may be discouraging to some, but Miami’s elite defensive schemes should be more than enough to compensate for Chandler’s 6-foot frame on that end of the court.

Jake LaRavia is practically the living embodiment of what Golden State looks for late in the draft. LaRavia will never dominate offensively or showcase elite athleticism, but his high basketball IQ and knack for always being in the right place at the right time should make him a perfect complementary piece for the defending NBA champions.

The Warriors will soon be drowning in the luxury tax as they look for ways to afford the core four of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Jordan Poole. Drafting cost-controlled players like LaRavia that fit well next to the core is Golden State’s only financially feasible route towards continuing their modern dynasty.