The Miami Heat Need a True Point Guard
Miami currently lacks a singularly designated pure point guard—like a classic franchise PG—but rather uses a combination of experienced wings and hybrid playmaking guards to fulfill that role. Now, it would be wise to insert a certain player to finally fulfill that role after many seasons, especially if this is supposed to be the season where the franchise is making a push to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Davion Mitchell is the most structurally aligned to the traditional PG role, providing defense and discipline. Meanwhile, Tyler Herro has essentially become the go-to facilitator on the floor, blending scoring and assists in the manner of a modern true point guard. Looking forward, Kasparas Jakučionis offers a long-term trajectory toward filling that role, though he remains in developmental status. This dynamic reflects Miami’s versatile and adaptable guard structure heading into the 2025-26 season, with no single point guard but rather a layered, role-based approach across multiple ball-handlers. With these players in mind, do they have what it takes to fill that role?
On the Miami Heat’s official depth chart, Davion Mitchell is listed as the primary point guard behind the starter slot, serving as the top backup at that position. Mitchell—renowned for his defensive tenacity and ability to run the offense—is a logical candidate to step into the true point-guard role given his experience in prior teams and the trust he has earned in Miami’s rotation. There is no question that he is the team’s X-Factor. He has certainly improved on his shot-making and efficiency since he joined the Heat from a mid-season trade in 2025. Not only that, he has demonstrated his ability to pass the ball as well, specifically on the drive and kick.
Though primarily a shooting guard by designation, Tyler Herro has frequently assumed point-guard duties in Miami’s actual lineups. According to recent lineups, Herro has consistently started at point guard, even while listed traditionally as a shooting guard. His ability to handle the ball, push tempo, and facilitate makes him a natural floor general despite his nominal position. Herro’s all-star status in 2025 further underscores his evolution into a dynamic offensive creator who can lead Miami’s backcourt. However, it might be essential for him to stay at the shooting guard position to bring better results as the offensive scorer he is.
New on the scene is Kasparas Jakučionis, the Lithuanian rookie drafted 20th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Though still developing, Jakučionis has point-guard size, standing at six-foot-five, and ball-handling skills that make him a long-term prospect for the true lead-guard role. Despite having a lackluster performance during the summer league, he is still considered to be the dark horse of the draft. He’s likely viewed as a project for backup minutes or future rotation contributions rather than immediate leadership. With these players in mind, it is now up to the coaching staff to decide how they should proceed for the upcoming season.
