Jan. 30, 2026, 1:33 p.m. ET
Florida basketball forward Thomas Haugh is beginning to show up in early NBA draft conversations, and one of the latest projections has him headed to South Florida.
In a recent mock draft published by USA TODAY Sports, Bryan Kalbrosky slotted Haugh to the Miami Heat with the No. 18 overall pick. While mock drafts this far out are fluid by nature, the placement signals growing national respect for Haugh’s skill set and upside.
Haugh has built a reputation as one of the more versatile pieces in Florida’s rotation. At 6-foot-9-inches with the ability to handle the ball, stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, he fits the mold of the modern NBA forward.
In 21 games this season, the junior is averaging 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He’s shooting at a 47.3% clip and 34.8% from beyond the arc.
Even if the draft is still months away, mock inclusions like this tend to reflect how front offices are beginning to evaluate potential fits rather than just raw numbers.
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The Heat, known for valuing toughness and culture, would be a logical landing spot for Haugh. Their developmental track record with young players makes this pairing feel less like a stretch and more like a match.
Here is why Kalbrosky thinks the Miami Heat will draft Haugh.
Why USA TODAY Sports has Haugh going to the Heat
“After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. Haugh has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a consistently competitive team such as the Heat.”
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