The Top 3 free agents the Heat could pursue to round out the roster
By Max Escarpio
There hasn’t been much change to a Miami Heat roster that ended its 2022-23 season with a gentleman’s sweep loss in the Finals. Pat Riley and company may have added some versatile role players like Josh Richardson and Thomas Bryant, but there’s work to be done for the Heat to have the necessary depth heading into a championship-seeking season. Miami can look at a few options, such as adding veterans for leadership or bringing in a younger player fit to play the whole season and contribute.
Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra need to be precise with the final leg of the roster, knowing that every piece of the puzzle will be needed in June. Miami currently has 13 players under standard contract and two slots available for a full-time roster spot. The three players listed should be at the top of their scouting report. Whether the Heat are looking for a scoring-minded wing, a veteran guard, or a younger athlete, these three should be seen as suitable roster fillers.
1. Kelly Oubre Jr.
The biggest name in the free agent market is undoubtedly Kelly Oubre Jr. He’s still a young player who can be seen as a veteran with eight years of experience, previously playing for the Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards. The 27-year-old forward averaged 20.3 points and 5.2 rebounds on a low-grade Hornets team last season. His production has always relied on how many attempts he’s been able to create within his role. If Miami were to be the landing spot for Oubre, he’d likely be used as a wing that produces shots on all three levels.
Recording a career 33% three-point average, Oubre has a slight ability to knock down an open shot from distance, which will be more than needed with the Heat’s need for catch-and-shoot players. He certainly won’t be limited to that role, but with other stars on the floor that’s where he stands.
Oubre could also find his role as one of the main scorers off the bench, which brings length to both ends of the floor. He’s a willing defender who has a knack for getting his hands in the cookie jar, so Oubre would be able to find a comfortable role in Miami with time to adapt.