With flattened lottery odds, the potential for an unconventional top-three is exponentially higher. The Heat are struggling right now, cash-strapped, wholly average and lacking future flexibility. Adding an elite talent like R.J. Barrett would be a welcomed shake-up.
The preseason favorite to go No. 1, inefficiency has led some to cool off on Barrett’s NBA stock. Zion’s tour de force hasn’t helped either, as his standout athleticism tends to overshadow those on the court alongside him.
Barrett remains an enticing prospect, though, as well as one of the youngest players in the 2019 class. He’s averaging a team-high 22.8 points per game, aggressively attacking the rim and gradually expanding his range. His 31.8 percent clip from deep is promising.