The Miami Heat need depth in the middle of their defense. As a lob guy and screen setter on offense, his size and athleticism could be an asset immediately.
Even with all of his deficiencies right now, he still presents value. With his combination of size, length, and athleticism, he can be taught enough to at least make him a high-level role player.
Even outside of just those things, there are deeper reasons for the thought that he could or should present interest to the Miami Heat. Let’s get into them.
They Have A Need
The Miami Heat need help in the painted area, the middle of their defense, and at defending the cup. While again, he may need a bit of time to develop, you could be looking at a defensive machine with a few tweaks.
With his ability to move his feet enough to stay in front of guards, as mentioned by Jonathan Givony, he and Bam could present an interesting set of circumstances for any offensive player to consider when operating on the floor. That’s just a fact.
When you have two guys that big, with that type of ability on defense, and the fleetness of foot to recover enough to block the shot from behind, it also helps to add another element to your defense. Bam has increasingly become adept at it with time in the league.
Richards has that kind of physical ability and with the Heat’s teaching, not only could he do the same types of things that Bam does defensively, but potentially more because of his greater size and length. Their need for help in the area was all too present in the NBA Finals, so they have to address it one way or another.
Why not take a shot here? It shouldn’t cost a ton, whether that be a mid to late second-round pick or bringing him in as an undrafted free agent.