The Heat could have benefited from signing free agent big man Montrezl Harrell this summer, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel opines in an “Ask Ira” mailbag. While the Heat could still theoretically sign him, they re-signed Udonis Haslem last week, which means they can’t add another player to their regular season roster without going into the luxury tax.
Winderman believes the Heat could use Harrell’s size and energy. However, his inability to shoot from distance could make him an awkward fit, especially when playing alongside a non-shooter in Bam Adebayo.
Harrell split the 2021/22 season with the Wizards and Hornets, averaging 13.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 23.1 minutes per game. The Heat lost starting power forward P.J. Tucker to the Sixers last month and have a number of undersized options they can play at the four, including Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin. Other East contenders such as the Celtics and Bucks start bigger lineups featuring Al Horford and Giannis Antetokounmpo, respectively, at power forward.
Here are some other notes from the Eastern Conference:
- In a separate article for the Sun Sentinel, Winderman examines why Heat first-round pick Nikola Jovic is unlikely to crack the team’s rotation this season. Jovic, 19, was tabbed by team president Pat Riley as a “development piece” during his end-of-season press conference in June.
- Brian Lewis of the New York Post examines the Nets‘ mentality with Kevin Durant now returning to the team. Brooklyn is expected to compete for a title this season, sporting a roster that includes Durant, Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Joe Harris and others. The team is clearly hoping to move past its off-court issues and focus on contending.
- Ethan Fuller of BasketballNews.com dives into what the next level could look like for Celtics center Robert Williams III. Williams has established himself as an elite rim protector and rebounder, but as Fuller notes, he can still improve his game offensively. At 24 years old, he has plenty of time to do so.
Harrell is a good pickup imo. Heat should do it. He fits right in with that team.
He is a defensive liability and he can’t shoot
Harrell could be a good pick-up for the Nets, too, if he’s willing to take the T-MLE.
Udonis needs to go away for real. Heat can use that spot for a player to benefit the team. Stop acting like big bro while making over a million just yapping.
It’s matter of time before one of Nets big three drama queen disrupt the team’s dynamic.
My best guess is that Nash will be fired at the beginning of the season then things will spiral from there. They need to hire a European coach who won’t take s**t from these super stars and will keep them in check.
UD is more important than some new guy jacking up threes and no defense. Veteran leadership is important. Silver doesn’t want veterans anymore. So Miami already has a midget at center with 6’8 bam and now they want another midget in 6’7 Harrell lolol lol.
TimeLord has good shooting form & makes his foul shots. I think one overlooked talent of his may be three-point shooting. Of course he’s mighty valuable playing how he does now.
Go Celtics!
Williams is undervalued for sure… When he was clicking Boston’s defence was immense… And FT% is a good sign for growth in shooting…