2024 NBA Mock Draft: Blazers take game-changer, Spurs get star at 1
By Tyler Watts
17. Miami Heat snag D.J. Wagner
The Heat are fresh off a surprise run to the NBA Finals and missing out on acquiring Damian Lillard. Tyler Herro was firmly in those trade discussions and will likely be moved if Miami lands a star. His scoring and shot-making are impactful, and the Heat could look to draft his replacement here.
Wagner is an absolute bucket. He can attack off the dribble and is one of the best players in this class at creating shots for himself. The 19-year-old was exceptional in the mid-range during his high school career but needs to prove he can stretch it beyond the 3-point line to climb draft boards.
He profiles as a sixth man at this point. D.J. Wagner must improve his passing, defense, and command of the offense to climb into the top ten. Does he shine for Kentucky? The Wildcats have had several underrated guards in recent years, and Wagner could join that list.
There are some questions about how his game will translate to the NBA. Wagner is listed at 6’3 and 175 pounds. It is tough to be more than a microwave scorer at that size, and he will struggle on defense.
The Miami Heat drafted Herro out of Kentucky in 2019 and a half decade later, they could take another elite-scoring Wildcat in Wagner.