The Miami Heat's rotation is largely built through homegrown talent. Players such as Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel'el Ware have all been drafted by the franchise and have become integral parts of the roster. Pat Riley and company have drafted well this decade and their strong stretch of draft selections could continue this summer. The team's recent stretch of losses could push them inside the lottery and this draft is expected to have one of the most stacked draft classes in terms of depth.
CBS Sports released their latest first-round mock draft and the Heat are projected to have the No. 13 pick. With their projected selection, Miami selects Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon.
"Philon's sophomore jump has made him both a shot-creator and shot-maker," the article wrote. "What's missing is the defensive impact he showed as a freshman, but in Miami, that end of the floor will be a requisite. With plenty of decisions looming for the Heat on the perimeter, he and Kasparas Jakucionis could be two compatible long-term pieces."
Philon led the Crimson Tide to a strong season. Alabama finished the regular season inside the AP Top 25 rankings at No. 18 with a 23-9 record before clawing their way to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. The guard averaged 22 points, 3.5 rebounds and five assists while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three-point range. Philon was viewed as a four-star recruit in the class of 2024 ESPN recruitment rankings. He was the No. 32 ranked prospect in the nation.
Philon averaged the 12th most points in the nation as a sophomore. Last year, he helped lead the Crimson Tide to the Elite Eight as a No. 2 seed. The Heat have had plenty of issues in the backcourt over the past couple of seasons. The Terry Rozier situation obviously did not work out in Miami's favor although the team has had success from Herro and recent acquisition Norman Powell. However, Powell is on an expiring contract and Herro has been included in trade rumors so Philon would seemingly have an immediate role if drafted by Miami.
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