Power Ranking the 5 Best Candidates to Start at Power Forward for Miami Heat

While the Miami Heat have a glaring void in the middle, there are an abundance of forwards on the team who can be placed at the power forward position to mitigate the disadvantage.

Furthermore, as we learned last season, several of them bring a unique set of skills to the table. 

So, by process of dissection, here are the top-five candidates on the roster who seem best suited to fit the task.

Udonis Haslem

2011-2012 season average: 24 mpg, 9 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg

What He Brings: Toughness, Rebounding and Someone Who Can Consistently Make an Open 20-Footer.

Summary: In his nine-year career, the Miami native has taken the mantle among the lineage of warriors that have commanded the paint for Miami, from PJ Brown, Brian Grant and Clarence Weatherspoon. The only exception would be Alonzo Mourning.

Nevertheless, Haslem is the prodigal type of player every team needs to win a championship, i.e. the guy that does all the dirty work and never gets any of the credit. From being a team co-captain to playing arguably his entire career out of position, Haslem is the heart and soul of the team and will put opponents on their back if they try to intimidate the smaller Heat.

However, at this stage of his career and considering the direction of the team, he will more than likely continue serving the team off the bench, as he did last season.

Rashard Lewis

2011-2012 season average: Incomplete

What He Brings: Outside Shooting, Size, Versatility

Summary: This year will serve as a comeback bid for Lewis, who spent much of the past two years in Washington sidelined with injuries stemming from knee tendinitis.

At 6'10" and with a career shooting average of 43 percent from beyond the arc, Lewis figures to fit in nicely on a team that seems bent on surrounding its star power with as many outside shooters as possible.

Nevertheless, despite his stroke and ideal size at the power forward position, Lewis is also entering his 14th year in the league and the team may want to preserve his health and services for the playoffs. As a result, he will almost certainly start the season coming off the bench.

Chris Bosh

2011-2012 season average: 26 mpg, 10.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2 spg, 1 bpg

What He Brings: Mid-Range Shooting, Size, Rebounding, Assists, Defense

Summary: Bosh spent much of his career as a franchise player for the Toronto Raptors at the power forward position. Based on his slight build and his game, it is easy to see why. But during his time in Miami, his role and production diminished significantly. That is, until last year's NBA Finals, when he was placed at center and saw his rebounding and scoring numbers rise.

As a result, Miami decided that he would be most effective at center for the team moving forward. And that is probably the position he will be asked to play for the majority of the upcoming season.

Shane Battier

2011-2012 season average: 22 mpg, 6.7 ppg, 53 Percent 3-Point Shooting

What He Brings: Outside Shooting, Defense, Gamesmanship, Hustle

Summary: Battier spent much of last season coming off the bench until he became Erik Spoelstra's favorite Heat player not named LeBron James.

Battier is entering his 11th year in the league but he has typically kept himself in peak condition and is as much a cog on the court as he is in the locker room.

After switching to a small lineup in the playoffs last season to take advantage of the team's strengths and speed, Battier saw heavy minutes at the power forward position. The downside of the move appeared almost immediate as Miami was hammered on the glass.

But over the course of the playoffs, the Heat made adjustments and alternated Battier and LeBron James at the forward spot throughout games. Consequently, the Heat have thrived since. But how long will Miami feel comfortable playing Battier at a position that seemed more aptly manned by none other than...

LeBron James

2011-2012 season average: N/A (played at small forward)

What He Brings: Everything

Summary: The Miami Heat will only go as far as LeBron James will take them, that much is clear. What was not clear until recently, however, is that the Heat play at another level when LeBron operates in the post as a point power forward.

Therefore, although James will continue to be tabbed as the team's small forward while Battier continues to carry much of the defensive duties at PF, likely to preserve LeBron from wearing down, expect LeBron to play heavier minutes at power forward the further along Miami is into the season. As he will likely play the position exclusively when Miami reaches the playoffs.