Following the 2023 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat have a few roster issues to address despite their recent Finals appearance. Although they only had one draft pick, they were able to acquire UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. with the 18th selection. Additionally, they signed several undrafted rookies for the summer league, including Justin Powell from Washington State, Patrick Gardner from Marist, Taylor Funk from Utah State, Caleb Daniels from Villanova, and Drew Peterson from USC.
However, the Heat cannot solely rely on their draft additions to push them to the next level next season. With free agency approaching, Miami's front office, led by Pat Riley, will need to be strategic due to salary cap constraints. It is projected that the team will be over the cap and may not have access to their mid-level exception. In light of these limitations, here are some value free agents the Heat can target to address their roster issues without overspending
Oshae Brissett could be a viable target for the Miami Heat as they look to address their roster issues. Despite the team's need for a big man to complement Bam Adebayo, Miami has shown a preference for smaller frontcourt players who can contribute on both ends of the court. Brissett, standing at 6-foot-7, possesses a skill set that aligns well with the Heat's recent approach. He is disruptive on defense, particularly in help situations, and is active on the boards. Additionally, Brissett can knock down open threes and has the versatility to play multiple positions.
While Brissett may not be the most high-profile name, he could be a valuable addition for the Heat at a minimal cost. He has shown potential when given meaningful minutes and, at 25 years old, could provide some fresh legs to a veteran team like Miami. Brissett has the qualities to become a quintessential Heat role player, and his acquisition would offer the team some depth and a boost during the regular season.
To address their frontcourt size and the need for a better center option to complement Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat could target Jock Landale in free agency. Landale has the potential to be a solid and cost-effective addition if he becomes available from the Phoenix Suns. Despite inconsistent playing time in Monty Williams' rotation, he has shown flashes of being able to hold his own against more formidable centers.
While Landale may not possess exceptional athleticism, he compensates for it with excellent positioning, anticipation, and a good understanding of how to utilize his size effectively. Although he may struggle against physically dominant opponents on defense, he makes up for it with his offensive contributions. He excels as a roll man, can provide secondary playmaking from the post, and even has the ability to knock down the occasional three-pointer. Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing 256 pounds, Landale offers the Heat a significant presence in the frontcourt.
To address their offensive struggles, the Miami Heat could consider pursuing TJ Warren in free agency. Despite a lackluster season after returning from a nearly two-year absence, Warren has the potential to provide a significant offensive boost for the team. Known to Miami fans from his time with the Indiana Pacers and his clashes with Jimmy Butler, Warren struggled to find his rhythm in a limited role with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.
However, the Heat could take a low-risk approach and offer Warren a minimum contract to see if he can regain his scoring prowess. Warren excels in a free-flowing offense where he can find his spots and score efficiently. It is likely that Warren will be seeking a prove-it deal this summer due to his underwhelming performance in the 2022-23 season. While there may be some initial struggles, if all the right factors align, the potential rewards of adding Warren to the roster could outweigh the risks.
Keita Bates-Diop is an under-the-radar free agent who could be one of the best options available for teams looking for a cost-effective contributor at the forward positions. Despite flying under the radar due to the lackluster performance of the San Antonio Spurs in recent seasons, Bates-Diop has shown himself to be an efficient and versatile player. His game may not be flashy, but he brings a lot of favorable qualities to the court.
Although Bates-Diop's athleticism may not be his strongest suit, he compensates for it with exceptional defensive awareness, a willingness to make the extra pass, a keen understanding of spacing and perimeter movement, and intelligent cutting. Additionally, he takes care of the ball and has been highly efficient from the field, shooting 51.1 percent overall and 37.1 percent from three-point range over the past two seasons.
While Bates-Diop may attract more than a minimum contract this summer, especially if the Spurs choose to re-sign him, the Miami Heat should make a strong effort to acquire him given the relatively thin free agent market. His skill set and attributes align well with the Heat's style of play, and he could provide valuable contributions at a reasonable cost.
WRITTEN BY CO HOST: Mikael Taieb
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