Miami Heat Sign Josh Harrellson; Add to Deepening Power Rotation

The Miami Heat have continued their search for a solvent to add to the power rotation.

After signing center Mickell Gladess and forward Jarvis Varnado a week prior, Miami has decided to sign former New York Knicks center Josh Harrellson to a roster that is now composed of 18 players. Of those players, Gladness, Varnado, Harrellson, Terrel Harris and Garrett Temple have received deals, with swingman Chamberlain Oguchi and center Hassan Whiteside also receiving workout’s.

Mar. 28, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) forward Josh Harrellson (55) and Orlando Magic power forward Glen Davis (11) fight for the rebound during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

However, of all the players the Heat have brought on to potentially make the team, Harrellson may just be the best fit because he could legitimately see some rotational minutes. Unlike someone like Gladness who serves only a purpose on the defensive end, Harrellson is a dual threat who can utilize his wide 6’10”, 275-pound frame to deter slashers in the paint, but is also capable of knocking down the outside a jumper–a key catalyst to the ideal player’s they’ve been looking for this offseason.

Harrellson previously aluded to working with the Heat through his Twitter account.

On 59 three-point attempts last season, Harrellson converted on 34 percent. He was featured in 37 games–even starting in four–and averaged 4.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per in 15 minutes per. He averaged 10.8 points and 9.6 boards per 36 minutes for those who are true optimists.

Since Harrellson can hold his own on both ends of the floor, as well as being a young talent who can be worked on, he should find himself making the final 15-man rotation if he impresses enough during training camp and the preseason. The coaching staff will take a look at how well he can stretch the floor with his shot, if he can work in the pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop and how well he works with the Heat’s ‘Big Three’.

With Harrellson now on the squad, Miami’s power rotation has Gladness, Varnado, Joel Anthony, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Rashard Lewis and Dexter Pittman set to play at the four and/or five, with the high possibility that LeBron James and Shane Battier also spend time at the four.

Basically, I wouldn’t expect any Juwan Howard reunions unless he somehow finds himself as a part of the Heat staff. Even Pittman’s spot on the team could be in jeopardy after a disappointing summer league where he still racked up fouls, but not rebounds.

Miami has rescinded its guaranteed contracts before, with Eddie House being dropped from the team amid injury concerns ending his chance of making the 2011-’12 team.

Training camp is slated to begin September 28th, preseason on October 7th and opening day of the regular season on October 30th.