This feels very much like a Heat pick. Most projections have Cassius Stanley floating somewhere in the second round, but the Duke product has the intangibles Miami perpetually prioritizes. Given the departure of Justise Winslow and the ensuring disappointment of Andre Iguodala, Stanley could be tabbed to fill a similar role.
Stanley is an easy fan favorite. He’s an explosive athlete who’s quick to find himself above the rim. He’s also a glue guy in the traditional sense — not the most skilled, but someone who will defend all over the floor, move the ball, and do everything in his power to better his teammates.
If nothing else, Stanley projects as an NBA-level defender who can dash inside and score effectively at the rim. He fits comfortably in Miami’s system. Stanley will need to show he can shoot consistently from NBA range, but he feels too much like a #HeatCulture guy to ignore.