The Miami Heat are staring down a pivotal offseason, and the NBA Draft could be their best shot at reloading on the wing. With a roster that blends veteran experience and young promise, Miami’s front office will need to navigate a tricky cap sheet and potential roster turnover-particularly with several key contracts coming off the books. That’s where Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufou enters the picture.
In a recent two-round mock draft, the Heat are projected to hold the No. 18 pick and select Yessoufou, a 19-year-old wing whose game has drawn comparisons to Washington’s Cam Whitmore. That comp makes sense-not just in terms of athletic profile, but also in terms of untapped potential.
Whitmore, after all, flashed serious upside despite limited opportunities early in his NBA career. Yessoufou could follow a similar path.
Let’s break down what makes him such an intriguing fit in Miami.
A High-Motor Wing with Physical Tools to Build On
Yessoufou’s game starts with his physicality. He’s strong, explosive, and plays with a relentless motor-traits that jump off the screen whether he’s crashing the glass, defending in transition, or finishing through contact.
NBA scouts are already buying into his ability to make an impact through hustle plays and physicality alone. That kind of energy fits right into the Heat culture.
But there’s still plenty of development ahead. Yessoufou hasn’t been consistent from deep, and his self-creation skills are raw.
He’s shown flashes, but the polish isn’t there yet in terms of shot selection and decision-making. Still, with his tools and mentality, the floor is high.
If he can tighten his handle and become a more reliable shooter, the ceiling rises significantly.
So far this season, he’s been a key contributor for a Baylor team that’s off to a strong 9-2 start. Averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 48.1% shooting from the field and 32.1% from three, Yessoufou has shown he can produce at a high level against quality competition. Ranked No. 9 in ESPN’s 2025 recruiting class, he’s lived up to the billing early in his college career.
Miami’s Cap Situation Could Create Opportunity
The Heat’s interest in a wing like Yessoufou becomes even more logical when you look at their roster and contract situation. Terry Rozier, Norman Powell, and Simone Fontecchio are all set to hit free agency.
Rozier’s $26 million salary is expected to come off the books due to an ongoing investigation, and that opens up significant cap space. Powell, meanwhile, has been one of Miami’s most productive scorers this season, but he’ll be 32 by the summer.
Letting him walk would free up minutes-and money-on the wing.
Then there’s Andrew Wiggins, who holds a $30 million player option. While the expectation is that he’ll opt in, if he surprises and hits the open market, that leaves a major void on the wing.
All of this points to the Heat needing to replenish their depth at the position-and possibly do it on a rookie-scale contract. That’s where drafting Yessoufou makes a lot of sense.
A Track Record of Developing Wings
Miami has shown they know how to find and develop talent at the wing. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic are recent examples of young players who’ve grown quickly in the Heat system.
Yessoufou could be next in line. He has the physical profile, the work ethic, and the two-way potential that Miami covets.
If either Powell or Wiggins (or both) aren’t on the roster next season, Yessoufou could find himself with a real opportunity to contribute early.
The Heat aren’t afraid to bet on upside, especially when it comes with a strong motor and defensive potential. If Yessoufou lands in Miami, he won’t be expected to carry the offense right away-but he could thrive in a role that lets him defend, run the floor, and grow into more responsibilities over time.
Bottom line: If the Heat are looking for a cost-effective way to reload on the wing while maintaining their commitment to player development, Tounde Yessoufou is a name to watch. He may not be a finished product, but in Miami’s system, he wouldn’t have to be-not right away. And that’s what makes him such an intriguing fit.