The Miami Heat have a strong mix of veterans and young stars. The team has been consistent with their draft picks over the past few seasons. Players such as Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic have proven their worth in the rotation with the latter already inking a rookie contract extension. Now, the Heat have the opportunity to add another young player with potential using their upcoming first-round draft pick.
Bleacher Report released their updated two-round mock draft following the All-Star break. In their projection, Miami holds the No. 15 selection, just outside the lottery and select Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon Jr. The 20-year-old's pro comparison is recent Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, who has been one of the most consistent guards throughout his long, storied career.
"Consistency and improved shooting have helped sway scouts to buy Labaron Philon's breakout and NBA outlook," the article wrote. "He's making over two threes a game, finishing at the rim with improved craft and converting his touch shots using signature footwork and control. He is benefiting from high usage and a green light. And his pull-up shooting hasn't been nearly as accurate as his catch-and-shoot game. There will likely be teams that prefer the younger point guards who are also more natural playmakers."
Philon is helping lead the Crimson Tide to a strong season thus far. Alabama sits just inside the AP Top 25 rankings at No. 25 with a 18-7 record. The guard is averaging 21.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 39.6 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 is averaging the 13th 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 Tyler Herro and recent acquisition Norman Powell. However, Powell is on an expiring contract and Herro has been included in trade conversations so Philon would seemingly have an immediate role if drafted by Miami.
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