{"id":560837,"date":"2026-01-26T00:18:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T00:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/560837\/"},"modified":"2026-01-26T00:18:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T00:18:17","slug":"2026-nba-draft-5-guards-miami-heat-fans-should-keep-tabs-on-hot-hot-hoops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/560837\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NBA Draft: 5 guards Miami Heat fans should keep tabs on – Hot Hot Hoops"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"NBAWho are five guards that Miami Heat fans should keep tabs on? (Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Vest\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

We are still exactly five months away from the 2026 NBA Draft, where the Miami Heat own just one pick. <\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Kingston Flemings, who we\u2019ve already discussed<\/a>?! Let\u2019s examine!<\/p>\n

Darius Acuff, Arkansas:<\/p>\n

Skinny: Acuff has been one of the more polarizing guard prospects in the class. I\u2019m definitely on the higher end. While I think it\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s ridiculously quick, impossible to rattle in ball screens and is as strong as an ox with strong change of pace.<\/p>\n

Keaton Wagler, Illinois:<\/p>\n

\"NBA(Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Skinny: If you didn\u2019t watch Wagler\u2019s 46-point game against Purdue, you\u2019re 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\u2019t do him enough justice \u2014 he\u2019s another very quick processor and decision-maker. Wagler\u2019s low release prohibits from getting many in-between shots off. But it\u2019s a quick release. He doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Labaron Philon, Alabama:<\/p>\n

Skinny: If you recall, I mentioned<\/a> Philon as a name to keep an eye on last cycle. One thing I touched on was his shooting and how I was a \u201cbuyer that the long-range shooting will come around at some point.\u201d Guess what?! It has! Philon\u2019s 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\u2019m incredibly high on Philon\u2019s live-dribble decision-making, ability to create separation, keep defenders on his hip and navigate close quarters at the next level. <\/p>\n

Brayden Burries, Arizona:<\/p>\n

\"NBA(Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

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\u2019s a big-bodied guard who\u2019s an excellent cutter and play finisher who\u2019s improved as a rebounder throughout the season. He\u2019s 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\u2019s doing right now.<\/p>\n

Braylon Mullins, UConn:<\/p>\n

Skinny: Mullins is in concussion protocol after UConn\u2019s eight-point overtime win over Villanova. The numbers don\u2019t light up people\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

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