USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat were close to making history this season being the first ever eight seed to win the NBA Finals. However, their historical run was cut short losing in the NBA Finals to the Denver Nuggets. The Heat, who expect to contend again, can use the draft to address the needs of a backup center or wing.

Last year the Heat drafted Serbian forward Nikola Jovic with the No. 27 pick. He spent most of the season playing in the G League, helping the developmental process. Jovic is expected to play a larger role next season. 

Here is a look at some predictions for the Heat with the draft only a few days away:

SB Nation, Duke Center Dereck Lively II

NBADraft.net, Arkansas Guard Nick Smith Jr.

Yahoo! Sports,G League Ignite Guard/Forward Leonard Miller

CBS Sports, Kansas Guard/Forward Gradey Dick

Yardbarker, Indiana Guard Jalen Hood-Schifino

Sporting News, Arkansas Guard Nick Smith Jr.

Bleacher Report, Marquette Forward Oliver-Maxence Prosper

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Aaron Judge blasts 13th home run in Yankees' seventh straight win
Knicks' Jalen Brunson suffers serious injury in Game 7 vs. Pacers
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason