Miami Heat fans may not want to face it, but Hassan Whiteside is a major free-agent target with a world of options at his fingertips right now. The 7-foot shot-blocking menace is widely considered to receive max-contract offers from a slew of teams in the coming weeks as NBA free agency begins.
Whiteside has made it known that he wants to make a decision as quick as possible, too:
The prized big man understands that teams are chomping at the bit to get their hands on him, and Heat fans need to accept the very real possibility that he may leave town. If that is indeed the case, and Whiteside is lured away, Miami must find a way to replace him.
Here are the nine free-agent big men the Heat could turn to if they lose Whiteside.
1. Al Horford
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Al Horford would be Miami’s ideal backup plan if Whiteside signs elsewhere. While Horford’s game is certainly different than Whiteside’s in most respects, the 6’10” former University of Florida star would be an excellent addition to the Heat’s frontcourt. Though he is already 30-years-old, Horford is amongst the most versatile big men in the league, with the ability to guard the four and five positions more than adequately. He is also is a very solid post player with the ability to knock down three-pointers at any time. He and Chris Bosh on the floor together would be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
Next: Pau Gasol
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2. Pau Gasol
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Bleacher Report’s Ethan J. Skolnick recently told 790 The Ticket in Miami that he believes “Pau Gasol could end up in Miami,” and the Heat would certainly welcome the accomplished All-Star.
Pau Gasol is another aging big man that is trying to prove he’s got plenty left in the tank. The past two seasons in Chicago, Gasol showed the world that he’s still got it where it counts and can be a valuable frontcourt piece if given the opportunity to work.
At 35 years of age, Gasol posted elite numbers for a big man in 2015-16, averaging 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Evidently, he has not shown many sign of slowing down. The Heat could sorely use his rebounding and elite low-post and mid-range scoring abilities. Reports largely suggest that Gasol will likely only sign with a team that has a chance to contend for a championship, and the Heat could fit that bill if the 7-foot product of Spain lends his talents to the team.
Next: Al Jefferson
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3. Al Jefferson
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Jefferson is your prototypical “old-school” big man. He’s a big-bodied, natural center who the Heat would be happy to have down low. He is currently coming off a semi-successful stint with the Charlotte Hornets and is now an unrestricted free-agent.
His numbers have seen a bit of a dip lately, but as the Heat witnessed in their first-round playoff matchup against the Hornets this past season, he can still be nearly unstoppable when he gets going in the low post. Jefferson is 31-years-old but knows the ins and outs of the five spot as well as any big man in the league. Miami could benefit from a big body like his down low while Bosh stretches the floor at the four spot.
Next: Dwight Howard
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4. Dwight Howard
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Once the best center in the NBA, Howard has seen a drop-off in production over the last few years. However, Howard has opted out of his player contract worth around $23 million with the Houston Rockets and is looking to make a splash in free agency.
Last season, Howard put up averages of 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He managed those numbers while working in a system that didn’t fit his game all while suffering through chemistry issues alongside superstar James Harden. If Howard can find the right system on a team that understands and respects his abilities, he can surely thrive once again.
The real problem with Howard is his head. He tends to make waves and have “issues” everywhere he goes. However, team president Pat Riley has a way of getting through to players that have a history like Howard’s by stressing a “no-nonsense” type of attitude throughout the organization. If Riley can get Howard to buy into the Heat’s business-minded mantra, he could once again become a dominant force in the league, and one that the Heat would be happy to have.
Next: Ryan Anderson
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5. Ryan Anderson
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Anderson is a worthy big man that is not getting enough attention in free agency this year. Anderson is a 28-year-old, high-scoring big man that can knock down the three-ball with ease. It’s no secret that the Heat need 3-point shooters, and to find a quality long-ball specialist with a 6’10” frame, who can play the center position would be ideal.
Sources say, the Washington Wizards are actively pursuing Anderson at the moment, but the Heat should still look to secure a meeting with him if they can. The problem with a guy like Anderson, aside from being a subpar defender and shot-blocker, is that he may command upwards of $15 million due to the rising salary cap, but he is simply not worth that much money. If he is willing to take less, and the Heat find themselves in a desperate situation, they may want to consider signing Anderson.
Next: Dirk Nowitzki
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6. Dirk Nowitzki
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Already a legend in his own right, the 38-year-old 7-footer has proven he still has what it takes to make an impact in today’s NBA. Nowitzki is still a knockdown shooter with a respectable scoring average and is currently a free agent.
Unfortunately for teams looking to get their hands on him, reports suggest that Nowitzki “intends to sign a multi-year deal with the Mavericks” once free agency officially begins. Regardless, where there’s a will, there’s a way and Riley should at least attempt to reach out to the German-born superstar. Nowitzki would fit into any team’s system and immediately make a difference, particularly on the offensive end, where the Heat need help.
Next: Bismack Biyombo
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7. Bismack Biyombo
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The youngest player on this list, Biyombo, bursted onto the scene in the second round of the NBA Playoffs this year against the Heat. Last year, the 23-year-old averaged 18.7 rebounds per 100 possessions, sixth-best for players playing more than 20 minutes per game. He is not a polished offensive player, but he plays with serious energy and is capable of crashing the boards with best of them when he wants to.
Biyombo is a shot-blocking paint clogger who plays much bigger than his height (6’9″) suggests. If Miami can’t find a better big man in this year’s free-agency period, Biyombo is certainly worth a look. At the moment, it looks like the native of Congo wishes to stay with the Toronto Raptors, but if the Heat are willing to offer him a better deal, he may consider taking his talents to South Beach.
Next: Festus Ezeli
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8. Festus Ezeli
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Ezeli’s numbers will not pop out at you as he is not truly dominant at any one facet of the game, however, he was good enough to start at center on a 73-win Golden State Warriors team this past season. Ezeli is only 26 and is the long, strong athletic type who will protect the rim and clog the lane. He can catch lob passes and throw them down with authority, too.
Granted, he is not high on the radar for many teams, but he is a serviceable big man that can get the job done. In addition, he’s still honing his game and will only get better. He’s never really had a chance to shine in his own right because of the massive collection of talent in Golden State, but Ezeli knows what to do when the moment is his.
Next: Roy Hibbert
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9. Roy Hibbert
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Hibbert may be last on this list, but his size and potential grants him a mention. We all know that Hibbert is a shell of his former self. His stint in Los Angeles was not a successful one, but then again, no one and nothing was successful in L.A. last year. In Indiana, Hibbert averaged double-digit scoring and more than a block-and-a-half per game for six straight years. Does he tend to shy away from big moments? Yes. Does he look like the smallest 7’2″ center you’ve ever seen? Yes.
Regardless, he’s still seven-foot-two! It may be a long shot, but if the former Heat rival can work in a system that fits his game, there is a chance he can find success. He is still relatively young at 29 years of age and he’s an unrestricted free agent that the Lakers are likely to dump in the coming weeks. Hibbert, at the very least, is worth sitting down with if all else fails.
While these big men each bring something special to the table, it’s no secret that Whiteside is the top priority for Miami. Riley and company will do everything they can and more to secure him, but the sad fact is, it may not be enough. Whiteside has never been a highly-coveted free agent and this is his chance to be the center of attention. Right now, it seems like Whiteside is relishing the moment, which is all the more reason for the Heat to look into these nine big men and be prepared for the worst case scenario.
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