For most of coach Erik Spoelstra’s tenure with the Miami Heat, he has leaned on small-ball lineups. It has worked during stretches against smaller teams, but the team has had their fair share of struggles with size during this build.
In several of the Heat’s losses this season, they have been beaten up on the glass. The rebounding battle is a crucial part to winning basketball games, as it gives more control to the team with that edge. Spoelstra has tried three different frontcourt pairings alongside Bam Adebayo thus far: Nikola Jovic, Kevin Love and most recently, Haywood Highsmith.
Each player has shown glimpses of what works, as they have also displayed flaws. Kel’el Ware’s drafting gave Heat fans a lot of optimism in finally resolving this lingering size problem, but it has been clear that he’s too raw. This team could benefit from having an established big, although the fit needs to make sense considering what would mesh with Adebayo.
Ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline, there should be some big men that become available. Let’s dive into three options that could be enticing in finally addressing this hole in Miami’s rotation.
The Milwaukee Bucks have gotten off to a slow start this season, although they seem to finally be turning that around. However, they are a second apron team that has a recent first round elimination to justify their financial limitations. If they plan on bringing in some more depth and unload a heavy contract, Bobby Portis is a prime candidate to make that happen.
Portis is a terrific two-way pairing for Adebayo, as he brings size and rebounding, but most notably outside shooting. It allows the Heat to go bigger but still keep floor spacing and offensive versatility. Portis is a career 38% from 3-point range. At just 29 years old, he can impact the game both inside and outside.
In a move that could make the Heat bigger and more top heavy, Nikola Vucevic is an attractive name. The Chicago Bulls big man is putting up strong numbers across the board this season at 20.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals. His shooting efficiency is at a career-high, going 58% from the field and an impressive 47% from deep.
Chicago has been stuck in mediocrity for several years now. It seems like every season they are viewed as potential sellers prior to the trade deadline, and this season most likely won’t be any different. Vucevic brings slight defensive limitations, although he has looked better in that department as of late.
Even at the age of 34, he would instantly become the most talented big man pairing with Adebayo of his entire career.
The Atlanta Hawks have been in the same selling position as the Bulls in recent years. They aren’t close to being real contenders, but aren’t bad enough to tank for the draft lottery. An eventual trade for the franchise is always going to be a possibility, and Clint Capela would be another potential addition that could supplement the Heat’s biggest flaw.
Capela has made a career out of being an elite rebounder, averaging 10.6 boards per game across his 10 seasons in the league. He is also a very efficient offensive player, going nearly 61% from the field during this season so far. At 6-foot-10, he is slightly undersized but plays much bigger than he is.
Capela is a capable rim protector and provides a true big man presence, although his outside shooting limitations could make him a questionable pairing for Adebayo.
