With the amount of cap space they’ll have this summer, the Miami Heat could sign some solid depth at the center position. What’s even more intriguing is that there are some great options set to be available.
Finding great defensive centers is no easy task. Luckily for the Heat, a few are set to hit the market this offseason.
Option #2: Signing shot-blockers
Nerlens Noel is the first name that comes to mind. He had a great season with the Knicks and held down the paint for them.
Opponents only shot 60.5% in the restricted area against the Knicks, which ranked first in the NBA. Noel was a huge part of that.
He averaged 1.1 steals and 2.2 blocks per game last season. He was one of 13 players to average at least one steal and at least one block, and the only player to average at least one steal and at least two blocks.
It was a truly underrated defensive season as he did not make either defensive team. Signing him could cost a lot of money, but it would really help out their ability to protect the paint.
Other options include Robin Lopez, Daniel Theis, and JaVale McGee. None are as elite on defense as Noel, but they would certainly help.
The Miami Heat are going to need a backup center regardless, so why not get one that can help out in an area of need. Improving their ability to protect the paint should be a top priority this offseason.