NBA Draft 2012: 5 Big Men Who Heat Can Snag to Bolster Big 3

It's no secret that the Miami Heat are considered the favorite to win the championship this year. However, it's pretty apparent that Miami's weakest spot is at the center position.

As we near the trade deadline it seems unlikely that the Heat will be making any trades for any of the big men around the league.

Fab Melo

The Heat would be very fortunate if Fab Melo was still laying around by the time their pick comes up at the end of the first round.

Although Melo is 7' with incredible defense awareness, his offense is basically nonexistent. What he can do is dunk the ball. That's all Miami needs him to do at the end of the day—protect the paint and finish around the rim.

I can see a lot of teams passing on him because as of now, he is really a raw talent and there are many other more polished players entering the draft.

Teams will look down on Melo even more when they begin comparing him with the best player in the league, Anthony Davis. However, he would be the perfect fit for Miami.

If the Heat are presented with the opportunity to move up on the draft board, they should take it and go after Melo.

Jeff Withey

Not many people considered Jeff Withey to be a legitimate starter on a very good Kansas team coming into this season. Now his play this year has many people considering him a first-round pick.

Nevertheless, not everybody is sold on Withey. He protects the paint and is one of the best, yet most underrated big men in the draft.

He has no trouble finishing in the paint and is about as solid as they come at the five position.

If he continues to do what he has done all season long, I look for Withey's stock to continue to rise. He could really bolster the Heat's big three with his size and shot-blocking abilities.

Robert Sacre

The Heat could easily draft Robert Sacre if they wanted to, and here's why they should.

He's a legit 7' with solid footwork and who knows how to use his frame to establish position down low. He may not be the most athletic or explosive but he knows how to work with what he's been gifted with, and that's size.

He wouldn't be at the top of my list as a Heat fan, but I wouldn't be mad if the organization gave him a shot.

Reggie Johnson

Reggie Johnson is a BIG dude. He's listed at 6'10" and weighs in at a little over 300 pounds. To say he would clog the middle would be an understatement. 

Johnson is probably not a player that could start for the Heat, considering Miami's fast tempo. However, what he could do is provide some solid back up time.

He does not have the highest maturity level; he was recently deemed ineligible. So not only would he be a good fit for the Heat on the court, but the organization would be a good fit for him as well because Pat Riley and company do not allow slackers.

Henry Sims

Sims would be a great fit for Miami. He wouldn't cost a lot of money and they could likely snag him at the end of the draft.

He's athletic, long and lanky and experienced. He has the potential to be a very productive player in the NBA. 

Although he doesn't put up the best numbers, he could turn out to be the best fit for the Heat. After rededicating himself during the offseason.