Mickell Gladness was lucky to make the team and never really did anything, except he was never given a chance. He was a shot-blocking machine in college and is very raw and athletic. If the Heat had developed him, he could have been something, but they chose not to. They chose to cut Gladness, but kept his best friend on the team, Terrel Harris.

Harris also hasn’t done very much this year, but in the one game against the Hawks where he got 44 minutes of playing time, he had a monster game of 9 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists. It is rare to ever hear of a 6’4 guard getting 14 rebounds, but Harris possesses that athleticism. Riley wanted to keep him because he knows Dwyane Wade gets hurt easily and that the Heat need depth at the position for right now.

So what does cutting Gladness mean for the Heat? It means that they’re out looking for a center. Expect to hear more and more rumors of Miami chasing a big man like Joel Przybilla because the Heat know they need one. Eddy Curry is a project and Joel Anthony is Joel Anthony, so the Heat need a vet who can come in and get boards and block shots.

Option 1: Pick up Joel Przybilla
I’m sure you’re saying to yourself right now, “Who?” Well, Przybilla is the only big guy on the market that is worth chasing. Pat Riley has already offered him a contract and wants him on the team. He is 7-1 and he can grab boards and that’s exactly what the Heat need. Przybilla is a 12 year NBA vet and would know his role on a team full of stars. For his career, he averages 6.3 rebounds per game, which would dramatically help the Heat.

Option 2: Play the young guys and use Eddy Curry
The Heat have three centers on their roster who barely play. Mickell Gladness is 6-11 and an amazing shot blocker. If he got minutes, I am sure he would make the most of his opportunity. Dexter Pittman is not only 6-11, but he is also 308 pounds. His body alone would be a force down in the post. The Heat need to find a way to use his size to their advantage. Eddy Curry has shown he still has a lot left in the tank. After losing all the weight he had put on, Curry is now in shape and just waiting for a chance to play. He was first round talent back in the day, so Spo should try and use him a little more.

Option 3: Trade for Dwight Howard
I’m sure you think I am crazy, but it’s definitely possible. Orlando is looking for pieces to build a team and Miami is looking for a big man. Dwight would love to be in Miami and Adidas would love it too. It wouldn’t be a far move for him and he would have a chance to win championships every year. Orlando would be getting more team players while Miami would be getting another star. My proposed trade is Chris Bosh, Mike Miller, young Norris Cole, and a draft pick for Dwight. Bosh has done a great job, but the Heat have enough shooters to make up for his stroke. Miller would be replaced by James Jones, who needs to get more time anyway. Cole would be the heartbreaker in this trade. Fans love him and he obviously has a bright future. The Magic don’t trust Jameer Nelson and would probably demand Cole in any trade. Dwight Howard is worth all of this trouble.

Whatever the Heat choose to do, they need to fix their problems down low. They will lost to inferior teams if they can’t rebound and score down low. It’s important to find a big man who will get boards and box out, and hopefully Pat Riley finds one.