NBA Rumors: Best Big-Man Free-Agent Fits to Help Heat Repeat

The Miami Heat have very few weaknesses, but one glaring hole in their depth chart lies at center. Dexter Pittman and Joel Anthony will never dominate anyone, and another body is needed in the paint to bolster Miami's rotation.

Miami is capable of repeating without a veteran low-post presence, but its possible NBA Finals opponent just reeled in the best pivot in the league. The Heat will need an answer of some sort.

It may be late in the NBA free-agency period, but options are still available. None of them will win any All-Star votes or any individual awards, but they are capable of filling a definite—and necessary—role in South Beach.

Let's take a look at four big men the Heat should take a look at before next season begins.

Chris Andersen

Andersen is one of the NBA's most decorated players, but it has nothing to do with his talent. Even so, he's still exactly what Miami needs.

According to Sun-Sentinel reporter Ira Winderman, the 10-year veteran has interest in the Heat:

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The Heat also have attracted the interest of free-agent center Chris Andersen, who recently bypassed a lucrative European offer and is believed to be amenable to a Heat offer at the NBA minimum salary, which is all the Heat, operating above the NBA salary cap, have available.

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Andersen wouldn't provide any real firepower to the Miami offense, but that's not what the Heat need from their center.

Andersen has averaged more than five rebounds and nearly two blocks per game in his 10-year career. Miami needs someone to stand under the basket, grab a rebound and throw an accurate outlet pass up the court. Blocking a few shots here and there wouldn't hurt, either.

Andersen isn't physically imposing (unless you count his tattoos), but he has a nose for the ball. He's an ideal fit the Miami rotation.

Josh Harrellson

Let's stick with Winderman's report for a bit. Winderman mentions that, "according to a source familiar with the situation, Harrellson is one of several big men the Heat have recently workout out."

Harrellson confirmed this news via Twitter. After being released from the Houston Rockets, Harrellson would be an attractive option for the Heat. He averaged 4.4 points and 3.9 rebounds as a rookie for the New York Knicks last season. The young big man may be short on finesse and talent, but he's an extremely hard worker.

Plus, he's a legitimate center. At 6'10'' and 275 pounds, it's safe to say Harrellson won't get pushed around underneath the basket. When it comes to battling other big men, toughness is a requirement.

Harrellson isn't going to wow anyone, but he's a blue-collar player with some upside. He still needs to prove himself, and that could play in his favor as his hunger pushes him to contribute for a contender.

Andray Blatche

Blatche and the player I'll mention later are purely speculation on Winderman's part, but they make sense.

Blatche is more of a power forward, but he's the most talented player I've mentioned so far. He's averaged 9.9 points and 5.4 points in his seven-year NBA career.

In terms of athleticism, Blatche easily would fit in with Miami. His talent and physical ability have never been the issue, but he tends to lose focus on the floor.

That's easy to do in a place like Washington, but playing for a championship contender could force Blatche to take on a different attitude. If he does, the results could be surprisingly good.

Signing Blatche is completely a shot in the dark at this point, but he fits the bill for the Miami franchise. He's not a true center, but his talent would make him an interesting addition to Miami's frontcourt rotation.

Darko Milicic

Milicic only makes sense for one reason: He's big.

The seven-footer weighs in at 275 pounds, and although he's not strong, he would be an imposing presence on the defensive end of the floor.

Despite being one of the biggest NBA busts in recent memory, Milicic has averaged six points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in his nine-year career. He's played for five different franchises, and he's used to the journeyman aspect of the game.

Miami wouldn't expect much from Milicic, but he would do his job. His height allows him to protect the rim on the defensive end as well as rebound the ball.

If Harrellson doesn't work out, look for the Heat to take a stab at Andersen. If both of those fall through, don't be surprised if Blatche and Milicic become intriguing options for the defending NBA champions.