The Heat mock draft picks review highlights four players that are slated to be at #13.
Labaron Philon, point guard, Alabama
This guy has defensive issues and is short at 6’3″. Philon reminds me of former Heat guard Alondes Williams who lit up scoreboards in the G-League, but didn’t translate to the NBA. Philon only weighs 185 lbs and screams the word, “PROJECT.”
Karim Lopez, forward, New Zealand Breakers
He is 19 years old and is a physical player as per the “Floor and Ceiling” substack. But, a weakness is that he loses focus defensively. Nikola Jovic is the current “stretch big” on the Heat and originally was drafted at 19. The Heat don’t need another player like this but Lopez’ physicality is a good thing.
Dailyn Swain, forward, Texas
He’s a slasher and plays like a guard at 6’8, 225 lbs. The Heat offense has suffered without a player that could get to the foul line. Jimmy Butler and Dwayne Wade were “slashers” that made the Heat offense better. Swain has good defensive vitals but needs practice to polish his skills.
Nate Ament, 6-10, 207 lbs, Tennessee
He is 6’10 but only 200 lbs. He is too light. Scouting report says he doesn’t leverage his size as per his scouting report on the substack, “Floor and Ceiling.” The Heat don’t need more undersized big men that feel they “belong on the perimeter.”
Wizards win lottery but may trade down
As per Jake L Fischer, the Wizards will “consider trading” the first pick in the draft. The Wizards GM says that since they traded for Trae Young and Anthony Davis, they would want to add other good players instead of one “savior.”
The Heat office should get on the phone and offer players to the Wizards for the No. 1 pick. Heat fans (including this one) had a vision of an opening night frontcourt of AJ Dybantsa, Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo. Other than Swain, the other players are “projects.” The Heat should trade out of the #13 pick in conclusion if they do not try to get the first pick.
