“He’s a Young Bam”: Dwyane Wade Thrilled with Miami Heat Drafting Precious Achiuwa

Precious Achiuwa earned the best player award in the American Athletic Conference, and it looks like the Miami Heat is hoping that he will replicate that when he is playing with the franchise. On Wednesday night’s 2020 NBA draft, the Heat picked Achiuwa as their 20th overall pick to build on their young core.

As a freshman at Memphis last season, the 21-year-old averaged  15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1.9 blocks while shooting 49.3 percent from the field. Achiuwa worked out separately for Miami Heat prior to the draft. And it looks like his athleticism and quality rim finishing made quite an impression on last season’s Eastern Conference title holders.

After Jonathan Wiseman was declared ineligible after three games at Memphis, the power forward became the next eye-catching player. His speed and explosiveness were a major contribution to the Memphis Tigers.

The Heat went with a small-lineup strategy during last season’s run towards the NBA Finals. Therefore, including another big player like Precious Achiuwa could prove very helpful. He can defend multiple positions, grab rebounds and play alongside Bam Adebayo or be Adebayo’s back up off the bench.

Dwyane Wade approves of Precious Achiuwa

It’s a big day for Achiuwa. Getting picked by a championship-contending team is an honor in itself. And what can better than the franchise’s legend approving of you joining the team?

In an interview, Dwyane Wade said, “I was talking to my best friend and my brother, Udonis Haslem, who’s the captain over there. We talked about what would the Heat need? And one thing we talked about was Bam. You know Bam is taking a beat down there. So, to have somebody that can come in and kind of play the same way. He’s [Precious] a young Bam… He’s real athletic, has great moments at the rim, and a great shot blocker. And then with the Heat’s ability to make sure they put in the work in with these players and teach them the NBA game slowly. Just so he can develop into what Bam has now developed into.”

Wade added, “I love this pick for us because it’s something that we need and Bam needs to continue to stay at that All-Star level.”

Since Wade has given his stamp of approval, the Heat must be doing something right. What are your views on Miami Heat’s new addition?