NBA Free Agency 2011: Big Men Miami Heat Must Target

The Miami Heat were just a few plays away from being NBA champions last season, so another offseason to tweak for NBA genius and Heat GM Pat Riley should be enough to win the championship.

While scoring was not an issue last season, the lack of depth at the center and power forward positions kept the team from reaching its ultimate goal.

The following list is of players that the team could go after in free agency. If they got any of these players, you’d have a hard time finding a better team in the NBA.

Greg Oden

If the Miami Heat feel like taking a serious risk that may have a huge reward, they should take a long look at Oden if the Portland Trailblazers don’t re-sign the restricted free agent.

Former Ohio State standout center Oden has been plagued by injuries in his career as a Trail Blazer, managing to play in just 82 games over three seasons.

The Heat don’t have the money to be taking these kinds of risks, but the reward could be so high that not considering this move would only hinder the team’s chances worse.

Tyson Chandler

After winning a NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks this season, the defensive star may be looking for a new challenge in his life.

What better place to find that challenge than in the beautiful city of Miami, Fla. With Chandler playing center behind Chris Bosh, the team could allow Bosh to play more offensive minded while Chandler stays strictly defense.

Chandler could demand far too much money, but the veteran may be willing to take less money if it means playing for a championship every season for the next five years.

Nene

While there are serious injury concerns for Denver Nugget center Nene, his talents and experience at the NBA level mean more to the Miami Heat than anything else.

The team would get him in the best shape of his life, and the prospect of winning would be enough to get all of Nene’s effort.

With a beast like Nene covering the inside for the Heat, you would be hard pressed to find a better offensive or defensive team in the entire league.

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