Last night the Miami Heat didn’t have a draft pick until #26 but they were able to make a move that MIGHT save their franchise. The Heat moved up two spots to #24 to draft UCONN point guard Shabazz Napier to possibly be the future of running the team. There was more to this move also however. Napier is a favorite of Lebron James who has complimented him in the past and even did it again last night after the pick was made. The Heat are hoping this could show Bron they are willing to do what makes him happy to stay. Hit the jump.

@IamJoeSports

James praised Napier after he led Connecticut to a second NCAA title in the past four years but he did not consult with the Heat on the selection. However, James’ thoughts on Napier were known in the organization, and the Heat spent several days investigating options to trade up to acquire him.

Napier said he hoped his arrival would help persuade James to return to Miami.

“I would hope so,” Napier said. “He’s one of the best players in the world. So if me going there helps him come back, it just betters our chances of being a complete team.”

Check the gallery for Lebron’s tweet he sent during the draft where he called Napier is favorite player in the draft.

“I know LeBron tweeted something out in the NCAA [tournament] about him,” Heat president Pat Riley said after the draft. “Why not. If LeBron and I have the same taste in talent, so be it. But he didn’t call me on the phone, or he didn’t make a point to me about it.”