Miami Heat's Top Needs After 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Results
The NBA Draft lottery is in the books, and the Miami Heat are now set at pick No. 13.
As they continue to evaluate the prospects who may be available there, we're here to break down the biggest needs for Miami to address in the draft.
A Point Guard
The Heat sort of threw people off the scent by playing at a breakneck pace in 2025-26, but their offense is still a bit away from that of a contender.
While they do have a handful of interesting playmaking talents at multiple positions, including Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakučionis, a cornerstone-level talent at the point has alluded them.
Wing Defense
Bam Adebayo is one of the league's better defensive anchors, and Mitchell is well-equipped to bug opponents on the perimeter.
But with Andrew Wiggins aging past his prime and Herro and Jaquez struggling to reach "lockdown" status, Miami could use some wing defenders to supplement Adebayo and Mitchell on the less glamorous end of the floor.
Realistic Draft Targets at No. 13 Pick
- Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama, PG)
- Brayden Burries (Arizona, SG)
- Cameron Carr (Baylor, SG)
Labaron Philon Jr. at No. 13 would require a bit of a slide, since the 6'4" Alabama guard is a top-10 prospect in B/R NBA Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's latest Mock Draft.
But with younger, freshman point guards also projected in the top 10, it leaves room for hope that this 22-points-per-game playmaker could both fill a need and qualify as "best player available" in this spot.
Check out the full scouting report for Labaron Philon Jr. here
