ESPN Mock Draft Has Miami Heat Taking SEC Standout

The Miami Heat have done relatively well in the NBA draft the past few years. 

Last year, they took guard Kasparas Jakucionis in the first round. Before that, it was Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez and Nikola Jovic. All have made their mark on the organization. 

So who's next? 

The Heat could fill a point guard need by selecting Alabama guard Labaron Phillon Jr., at the No. 13. That's the early projection for ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo. 

"Philon helped himself by returning to school and will have a case in the late lottery as an option for any team in need of shot creation," Woo said. "He can be polarizing for scouts, with persistent questions around his ability to run a team in the half court, but he's a proven scorer with positional size who could provide a real spark coming off the bench in the right context. The Heat will pick in the lottery for the first time since 2019, giving them a chance to add a higher-end talent to their nucleus. Philon would give them another creative guard to help bolster the backcourt mix."

Here are what a few other draft services said about Philon: 

--NBAdraft.net: "Philon projects as a scrappy, competitive lead guard with clear starter upside at the next level … His jump as a shooter and overall offensive responsibility as a sophomore significantly boosted his draft profile … Progressed from a fringe first-round prospect entering the year into a firm mid-first round candidate, with a realistic chance to climb into the late lottery if teams buy into the shooting progression and leadership traits … With his blend of pace, shot creation, playmaking, and improved efficiency, he fits the mold of a modern NBA point guard capable of running an offense … His competitiveness, confidence, and ability to control tempo give him a strong foundation to carve out a long-term role."

--NBADraftRoom: "A high level point guard prospect who is fundamentally sound, makes good decisions with the ball and has solid one on one ability. Has a feel for getting into the lane and is a crafty finisher. Has good passing and court vision although is not yet a pure point guard and is still developing his feel for running the offense."

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com