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Getty Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbles against Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers
The Miami Heat certainly exceeded already high expectations this season by finishing with a league spot in the Eastern Conference. They followed up the regular season with an impressive postseason run, eliminating the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers en route to a matchup against the Boston Celtics. They eventually lost and were eliminated by the Celtics in a seventh game that went to the end. Now the Heat are turning their attention to the offseason and pieces that can help them achieve their championship dreams.
The team has been linked with Bradley Beal, and many added the three-time All-Star in a sign-and-trade. Another star to potentially add to Miami’s core is another All-Star, the Chicago Bulls’ Zach Lavine. However, this will address a play that could add some much-needed depth to this Miami Heat roster.
One of the things that was evident in the series against the Boston Celtics was the size the Heat lacked. Bam Adebayo was often the tallest player on the court for the Miami Heat, which is the height of three of the Celtics’ starters. Aside from maybe game three, Bam Adebayo was abused and often physically beaten by the Celtics frontcourt. It’s hard to look at the series and believe he can be an anchor in the Heat forecourt.
Following their elimination, Bleacher Report identified possible off-season “targets” for the Miami Heat. One of them was a former MVP Big Man.
Dwight Howard zu Miami Heat?
In the May 30 article, Bleacher Report’s Rob Goldberg named some players Heat could target this offseason. Whether in the draft or free agency. An interesting name in the article was Dwight Howard. Howard, of course, had an epic run north of Miami with the Orlando Magic, including an MVP season and an NBA Finals run.
Howard has been plagued by injuries for a number of seasons, but it looks like he’s finally found his role as a big man in an NBA that has changed since his Orlando dominance. In a league dominated by three-pointers, Howard has found a home in a role that leverages his size, incredible rebound and defense for nearly 17 minutes a game. Last season, Howard averaged 6 points and nearly 6 rebounds per game for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Could Dwight Howard be a good pickup for the heat? Obviously he brings depth and size. But does he bring something they don’t get from a player like Dewayne Dedmon other than a big name? It’s honestly hard to say. The other question is does he fit into the Heat culture.
Haslem and Howard
Following his elimination, it’s unclear if Udonis Haslem will return to his role as Officer for Heat Culture next year, but you never count him out. Haslem and Howard have a long-standing feud, most recently evident in an on-court kerfuffle when the two faced off in 2021 after Haslem was only three minutes into the game.
Would Haslem welcome Howard to Miami to be part of their run next season? We will see. It also remains to be seen whether Haslem will return for his 20th NBA season and continue his reign as the ultimate heat lifer.
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