Miami Heat: 5 replacements for Hassan Whiteside

5 players the Miami Heat can sign if Hassan Whiteside leaves

Nov 9, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) and center Chris Bosh (1) box out Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) defends Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Al Horford

The first name that always comes up when discussing a possible Whiteside replacement. A proven and more polished center who will cost essentially the same amount.

Al Horford is a perfect choice for the Heat. He’s a top-tier center in the prime of his career and can contribute on both ends of the floor. Horford’s also developed into a capable perimeter shooter, connecting at a career 34 percent clip from beyond the arc. Not only can he spread the floor, but he started all 82 games last year, which is a testament to his durability.

However, this isn’t a no brainer. Horford will be an expensive choice which could hamper with the team’s chances of signing Kevin Durant, albeit a long shot. Also, if Bosh is healthy, this would mean two 7-footers in the Heat’s starting rotation, which would counter the current direction of the league, which is consistently going smaller.

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