Heat Predicted to Land 6-Foot-8 Free Agent

It’s been a quiet summer for the Miami Heat. Other than Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio, Pat Riley hasn’t added any experienced NBA talent to the roster.

Given the lack of depth in Miami’s front court, the hope will likely be that Riley finds a way to add at least one more contributor who can help anchor a defense and impact the glass.

In a July 29 article for ClutchPoints, Brett Siegel predicted that Riley could acquire Precious Achiuwa via free agency. Achiuwa would certainly add some grit and defensive versatility to Miami’s front-court rotation and would provide versatile backup to Bam Adebayo.

“One team that could still use some frontcourt help this offseason is the Miami Heat,” Siegel wrote. “Not only does this fit make sense because Achiuwa can play behind Bam Adebayo and improve his all-around game, but the former Knicks big man recently purchased a two-bedroom condo in South Beach…Miami has an open roster spot, and they can sign Achiuwa without crossing their first-apron hard cap…Prediction: Precious Achiuwa stays in Eastern Conference, joins Heat frontcourt behind Bam Adebayo.”

Achiuwa played 57 games for the New York Knicks last season, averaging 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1 assist per game, shooting 50.2% from the field.

Heat Expected to be “Done” Making Trades

A key reason why Achiuwa could make sense for the Heat this summer is that he’s an unrestricted free agent. In a recent episode of the “Zaslow Show 2.0,” NBA cap expert Bobby Marks explained why he doesn’t expect Miami to make a trade ahead of the new season.

“I mean, listen, we’re going to see probably within the next couple of days, Beal become available in free agency,” Marks said. “I think the Norman Powell move eliminates that, as far as what they need. They’re a little bit below the first apron, so they can go out and sign a minimum guy if they want to do that. But I’m not anticipating another big move.”

With another trade unlikely, Achiuwa could be the perfect low-cost addition to bolster Miami’s front court. Furthermore, the powerful forward has the type of physical play style and competitive edge that would ensure he fits like a glove in Erik Spoelstra’s system.

Achiuwa Could Play Multiple Roles For Heat

Throughout his career in the NBA, Achiuwa has split his time between the power forward and center positions. While his role in each of those spots clearly differs, he often finds ways of putting together impactful minutes.

This past season, Achiuwa spent 49% of his playing time as a power forward (a sharp increase from his 29% career average) and 51% at center. His rebounding and switchability on defense are both key aspects of what makes him a viable option as a bench big man.

Furthermore, Achiuwa has consistently found minutes on deep rosters, with last season’s Knicks among the best teams in the Eastern Conference. As such, he shouldn’t struggle to earn a spot of Miami’s bench. After all, the Heat are short on talent and depth at both the backup forward and center positions. Achiuwa is a smart choice if the Heat are looking for low-cost floor raisers.