Team #4: Miami Heat
The first team that comes to mind when thinking about front-court help is the Miami Heat. Last season, this organization shocked everyone when they became the first five-seed in NBA history to make the NBA Finals and while they did lose the series and a chance to win their fourth championship, they learned about their biggest need as an organization — front-court depth.
When Bam Adebayo went down in the NBA Finals last year, the Heat did not know what to do or who to throw out there at the power forward or center positions. At one point in the series, the Heat had a slew of guards out on the court with Jimmy Butler at the center position.
Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard are more perimeter oriented players than interior defenders and post players and neither player can do what Adebayo does for this team. They did draft Precious Achiuwa in this year’s draft and he should be a solid player for them to help in the front-court, but it will take time for him to develop into what they need him to be.
As a result, bringing in PJ Tucker would be the best case scenario for the Heat in their efforts to improve their front-court. Even though Tucker stands about 6-foot-5, he is one of the toughest defenders in the entire league and can guard any position. Not to mention, he has the ability to score from anywhere on the court and is one of the best corner three-point shooters in the entire league.
The Heat brought in Andre Iguodala to help them defensively last season and potentially bringing in Tucker, another veteran defender, could be the difference maker in them winning a championship. The Heat pride themselves on being a tough defensive team, which is why bringing in Tucker makes a lot of sense.
