The Miami Heat clearly need to beef up their frontcourt, but their reluctance to sign another big man to their roster before the start of training camp may have cost them a good backup option. On the eve of training camp, the Cleveland Cavaliers inked former Heat center Thomas Bryant. In theory, considering his familiarity with the team and solid production, he could’ve been a natural fit for Miami.
Bryant spent time with the Heat during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, in which he averaged five points and four rebounds on 55 percent shooting from the field in a combined 48 games played.
In the end, the Heat continue to maintain that they’d much rather wait out their situation with Terry Rozier, and not cross the luxury tax threshold right now, in hopes that they could still add a quality big man later on this season.
That could be a risky game to play, but, at least for now, the Heat believes they have enough depth to get by in the frontcourt. At least to begin the year.
One injury, and the Heat will be in a lot of trouble
Then again, one injury to Bam Adebayo or Kel’el Ware, and the Heat could find themselves in a world of trouble. In fairness, especially considering their lack of top-tier talent, an injury to either one of those players, regardless of their depth, was always going to put the team at a huge disadvantage this season.
Because of that, I can’t help but wonder if the front office is indeed doing Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra a disservice by forcing him into the start of the season with such a thin frontcourt.
Assuming Bam and Ware will be the starters on opening night, the Heat will have a big man rotation that features Nikola Jovic and maybe Simone Fontecchio. You’d have to assume that Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Andrew Wiggins could see time playing the small-ball 4, but that doesn’t give Spo a ton of rotation flexibility.
Bryant may not have been the final answer to the Heat’s clear issues in the frontcourt, but he could’ve been a useful piece for them. I’m sure Miami is going to add some depth to their frontcourt at some point this season, but it’s pretty clear they don’t have much interest in doing that now (unless there’s some sort of resolution coming for Rozier).
Whoever the Heat end up signing, I’m not sure it will make as much sense as a reunion with Bryant would’ve made. And this miss could end up costing them.
