11 Center targets for Heat at veteran minimum in 2024 NBA free agency
By Will Salinas
3-5, 'Shaquille O'Neals of JaVale McGees': Mason Plumlee, Andre Drummond and Goga Bitadze
We're getting into the territory now of legitimate back-ups that star in their role and in theory, could help the Heat out a lot.
Mason Plumlee is an unrestricted free agent and coming off of a playoff run that left a lot to be desired from everyone on the Clippers roster. Plumlee will crash the glass, finish well, make some flashy passes and compete on the defensive end.
It's no secret that Plumlee has given the Heat issues in the past and it's because he's a bruiser who has a motor that doesn't run out. Bringing him in spurts off the bench is exactly what this team needs for toughness and grittiness. He'd star in his role easily down here.
Third on the list is Andre Drummond. Drummond's price tag could vary depending on his market as an unrestricted free agent, but the Heat should keep their eyes on him. He's an elite offensive rebounder and with as many misses this Heat team is capable of, it'd be nice to get some second looks.
Drummond has shown a lot of maturity since arriving to Chicago and could be looking to make an impact on winning. For the right price, this is a no-brainer pick-up.
Goga Bitadze is younger than Plumlee and Drummond but thrived in his opportunities with the Magic last season, even starting 33 games when Orlando's top centers were injured. Bitadze, 24, is a good rebounder and, at 6-foot-11, provides size needed to defend the basket. The former 18th overall pick hasn't lived up to his draft position but the Heat could help him reach his potential.