Miami Heat Sign Veteran Big Man Ronny Turiaf
The Miami Heat addressed their need for an extra big body and some depth in the frontcourt by coming to terms with veteran big man Ronny Turiaf on Wednesday afternoon, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
Turiaf became available when he was released by the Denver Nuggets after being acquired in a three-team trade that sent Nene to Washington and JaVale McGee to Denver.
Turiaf cleared waivers on Tuesday, and the Heat acted quickly to bring the big man into the fold.
The seven-year vet out of Gonzaga has appeared in only four games this season for Washington due to a broken hand, averaging only 1.5 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game on the season. Throughout his career, Turiaf has posted numbers of 5.2 PPG and 3.8 RPG.
However, he's now healthy enough to return to the court.
The Heat, who have been trying to add a big man all season long, could use his hustle and hard work off the bench after trying to rely on bigs like Dexter Pittman and Mickell Gladness this season.
There's also a chance he could slide right into some decent minutes at the 5, playing behind starter Joel Anthony.
The Heat become the fifth team that Turiaf will suit up for after being drafted in the second round of the 2005 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. His most productive season came in 2008 when he averaged 6.6 PPG with Kobe and company.
Miami has an open roster spot and won't need to make a corresponding move.
