We are still exactly five months away from the 2026 NBA Draft, where the Miami Heat own just one pick.
In the first of a three-part series, we will be discussing which guards fans should be keeping tabs on as that date approaches. Yes, Miami is already loaded in the backcourt. But this class is filled with very good ones. Sometimes, you just have to take the best available player and figure it out later!
There is still a lot of (college) basketball left to be played this season. That said, who are guards that Miami Heat fans should keep their eyes on outside of Houston’s Kingston Flemings, who we’ve already discussed?! Let’s examine!
Darius Acuff, Arkansas:
Skinny: Acuff has been one of the more polarizing guard prospects in the class. I’m definitely on the higher end. While I think it’s better than at the start of the season, I still have questions about his on-ball defense. Though Acuff is an elite processor and an exceptional shot maker. He’s averaging 20.2 points and 6.2 assists (to 2.2 turnovers) on 50.0/42.0/77.9 shooting splits, including 22.9 points on 62.2 TS% in SEC play (seven games). He’s ridiculously quick, impossible to rattle in ball screens and is as strong as an ox with quality change of pace. John Calipari has produced several high-end point guards — and Acuff’s unquestionably one of his best.
Keaton Wagler, Illinois:
Skinny: If you didn’t watch Wagler’s 46-point game against Purdue, you’re in for a treat. Even before that game, the freshman guard was averaging 15.9 points on 39.4 percent from 3-point range, in addition to 5.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists. His assist numbers don’t do him enough justice — he’s another very quick processor and decision-maker. Wagler’s low release prohibits from getting many in-between shots off. But it’s a quick release. He doesn’t have have great athleticism or burst, but is wirey and crafty enough to get to his spots. Wagler knows how to use his lengthy 6-foot-6 frame to his advantage, too, even though he tends to struggle against stronger, more physical athletes.
Labaron Philon, Alabama:
Skinny: If you recall, I mentioned Philon as a name to keep an eye on last cycle. One thing I touched on was his shooting and how I was a “buyer that the long-range shooting will come around at some point.” Guess what?! It has! Philon’s been unbelievable this season, leading the SEC in scoring (22.2) on 52.0 percent shooting and 36.6 percent from 3-point range (5.6 3PA). I’m incredibly high on Philon’s live-dribble decision-making, ability to create separation, keep defenders on his hip and navigate close quarters at the next level.
Brayden Burries, Arizona:
Skinny: Burries started the season fairly slow, but has found a niche alongside Koa Peat, another freshman sensation, at Arizona. Over his last 12 games, Burries is averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals on 53.8/37.8/77.6 shooting splits. He’s a big-bodied guard who’s an excellent cutter and play finisher who’s improved as a rebounder throughout the season. He’s also a solid defender who can immediately step into an NBA context and excel in his role as a secondary shotmaker and playmaker, which is exactly what he’s doing right now.
Braylon Mullins, UConn:
Skinny: Mullins is in concussion protocol after UConn’s eight-point overtime win over Villanova. The numbers don’t light up people’s eyes. But Mullins has shown he can be capable of being a very good 3-point shooter, averaging 12.4 points on 40.3 percent from deep (6.2 3PA) over his last 10 games. He still has to grow into his body, but he competes on both ends of the floor and projects to be more of an off-ball shooter/scorer at the next level.
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Kind of hard to project draft pick if we don’t know if Heat will be a lottery team or top ten or somewhere in between. Should have held off on this article until after March Madness.
How about a front court player nstead?
I was thinking the same thing. Didn’t we just draft our point guard of the future?
I guess accounting for if we trade herro and when Terry expires, and Wiggins to traded,or expire. I rather a pf/c but I wouldn’t be mad at a pick for a bpa .
Wiggins is a SF.
They are none. Y’all don’t watch cbb and it shows. This year is guard and wing player dominant and unless we can pull a mavs and get the number 1 pick boozer or Aj it’s a guard fest from there on out. But acuff Aj flemings Patterson boozer would all be the best players on the Mia heat right now
That’s now. New prospects are identified during the NCAA Tournament. There are several front court players drafted in second half of first round or second. There are also injured players who haven’t received all the press.
Mia needs talent Fck a preference best player available