The Miami Heat officially secured the No. 13 pick in next month’s draft after a mediocre season, marking the first time the franchise will select inside the lottery since drafting a little-known guard named Tyler Herro in 2019. With this year’s class considered especially deep, several notable prospects are expected to still be available when Miami is on the clock.
After the confirmation of the draft lottery, ESPN released their latest two-round mock draft. With the No. 13 pick in the draft, the Heat are predicted to select Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon Jr.
"The Heat will pick in the lottery for the first time since 2019," the article wrote. "They have built much of their roster through the draft, but they haven't landed a second star to pair with Bam Adebayo and might have to do that by other means. The need for added shot creation on the roster makes this an interesting landing spot for Philon. Philon had an outstanding season at Alabama and proved himself as a potent scorer who can generate offense in spurts, helping him earn looks in the back half of the lottery. 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."
Philon led the Crimson Tide to a strong season and averaged the 12th most points in the nation as a sophomore. 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.
With the consistent issues in Miami's backcourt over the past couple seasons, Philon could slide right into a sizable role. Norman Powell is hitting unrestricted free agency and Herro only has one more season under contract and may be viewed as a trade piece this offseason. Adding a guard could become a must for Miami this offseason.
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