We are less than two months away from the start of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Can you already believe it?! We are still far out — 153 days, to be exact! — from the 2026 NBA Draft. But it’s never too early to be talking about the next crop of prospects.
The Miami Heat are expected to have one pick in this year’s draft, which is one of the deepest guard classes we’ve had in a long time. Who do pundits have the Miami Heat selecting?! Let’s examine!
ESPN (Jeremy Woo): Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois (No. 18)
“Wagler has been an irreplaceable player on a quality Illinois team, having a winning impact with limited high-level experience and putting himself on the map as a prospect. While still developing as an on-ball playmaker, his connective play and perimeter shotmaking (41.2% from 3), coupled with plus positional size, have put him in the first-round conversation. As a late-blooming prospect with obvious NBA appeal, the question revolves more around whether he is better off turning pro this year or returning to school and polishing his skills as a ball handler.”
Where Matt Hanifan currently has him ranked on his way-too-early big board: 17
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Bleacher Report (Jonathan Wasserman): Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech (No. 15)
“It’s getting tougher to automatically cap Christian Anderson’s ceiling due to physical or athletic limitations. He’s emerged as one of the top shooting prospects in the draft, now at 45.3 percent from three after making 8-of-10 against Baylor. A 33.5 assist percentage also reflects promising passing IQ, and though he isn’t the flashiest playmaker, Anderson makes most of the right/basic kick-and-out and ball screen reads within a set.”
Where Matt currently has him ranked on his way-too-early big board: 21
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SB Nation (Ricky O’Donnell): Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
Where Matt currently has him ranked on his way-too-early big board: 24
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No Ceilings (Jam Hines): Labaron Philon, G, Alabama (No. 15)
“Philon’s competitive fire and two-way play would bring another viable impact guard to Miami. There are understandably still some skeptics about Philon’s three-point shooting jump on more volume (31.5% on 3.4 3PA to 36.3% on 5.3 3PA), but the production and confidence are undeniable. Whether or not you believe “Heat Culture” is overrated, Miami has consistently developed players and helped them max out their potential. Philon checks many of the boxes that Miami covets and could be an ideal fit, especially without Rozier and potentially Tyler Herro, who seems to always be mentioned in trade scenarios involving the Heat.”
Where Matt currently has him ranked on his way-too-early big board: 7
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Bleacher Nation (Matt Rooney): Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
Where Matt currently has him ranked on his way-too-early big board: 14
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I know it’s a typical choice for the Heat, but why in this wide world with so many other choices would we pick Keaton Wagler? It’s almost like a bad joke. Hopefully, the real pick will be a far better one.
To early for me to start bitchin about the future. I’m still not done bitchin about the present.
DEADLINE TRADES/INSTANT REBUILD
If the Heat trades Wiggins for Kuminga, Hield and their 2016 first round pick and proceeds to tank, the team could have two first round picks (one of which would be a lottery pick). If they trade Herro, that’s another pick. Voila… Instant rebuild! Too bad they can’t find a buyer for Jovic too. That would be awesome.
If we aren’t going for it with a strong upgrade that doesn’t weaken us equivalently while improving us at the deadline, then we should go the route you describe. Kuminga and someone other than Hield would be my choice. Three picks would be a great start, and our rebuild could be pretty short. I’d rather do that than stay Pat.
Jovic is only movable as a throw in, and maybe not even then. I don’t know what happens when you have a four year contract on a player who has shown so little upside. Riles got rid of his mistake with Lowry with bad consequences, and had to send Dunc, and his contract, away. But, not sure if he can get out of this misstep.
The only solution is to send him to Sioux Falls so he can find his mojo this season, before his extension kicks in. Who knows, he might raise his game while raising his value. He has the size to be a power forward but has the desire to be playmaking SF. If he had gotten his s*** together this season, he could be Wiggins replacement if he is traded before the deadline. I have a very strong feeling Wiggins will opt out this summer and return to S.F. to finish his career if he is not extended by Miami.