Ex-exec questions 2020 outlook, suggests a ‘punt’

CHICAGO — As the Miami Heat assess their immediate future at the NBA’s pre-draft combine, a former NBA executive Thursday raised concern about the team’s longer-term outlook, and even suggested a possible move-up date for a makeover.

Speaking Thursday on a conference call in advance of ESPN’s coverage of the combine, Bobby Marks, who now works for the network after an extended run in the Nets’ front office, said he believes the 2020 waiting game for Heat is a precarious one.

“I think the hard part will be the way things go the summer of 2020,” Marks said, “because I look at that free-agent class as probably being one the weakest that we’re seen in a long time here. There’s a significant drop off from this year and also in 2021.

“When you look at outside of whatever happens with Anthony Davis, it’s really kind of Draymond Green and a lot of the players that signed those big contracts in the summer of 2016.”

The Heat lack salary-space this summer, although they could move up their free-agency timetable if the expiring contracts of center Hassan Whiteside and

Goran Dragic are excised.

“Yes, you will certainly have cap space next year,” Marks said of the 2020 offseason. “Is there an option for Miami to take some of their expiring contracts, like Whiteside and Dragic and maybe go out and get a player that has an extra year that eats into that cap space that can help now?

“I think that could be certainly an option that you need to look at. But it’s hard waiting until the summer of 2020, because, as I said, that free-agent class is not like it is going to be this year.”

Otherwise, with the Heat also carrying the eight-figure contracts of Dion Waiters, James Johnson and Kelly Olynyk, Marks sees limitations this offseason.

“The likelihood is that you probably are going to punt during the offseason, because of where you’re roster is, you’re probably would be right at the tax again,” Marks said.

Interview sessions: In a somewhat surprising twist, Duke guard Cam Reddish, initially expected to be selected at the top of the draft order, said he will interview Friday with the Heat, who pick at No. 13.

The Heat have completed 13 interviews, with at least six more scheduled. They are one shy of the maximum 20 at the moment, having held one draft slot aside in case they moved up in Tuesday’s draft lottery.

Among those in attendance at the combine for the Heat are Pat Riley, Andy Elisburg and Shane Battier.

The Heat also are in the midst of setting up workout sessions, having waited until the combine to begin that process. Among those who Thursday confirmed an impending Heat workout was Gonzaga forward Brandon Clarke.

The dream: Among those competing in the combine is University of Miami forward Dewan Hernandez, who was selected to advance after competing in the G League tryout camp earlier in the week.

A Miami native and Norland High product, Hernandez said he has yet to meet with the Heat, having worked out for the Rockets, Hornets, Jazz and Cavaliers prior to the combine.

“I know I got a bunch coming up after the combine,” he said, unaware of interest from the Heat.