Miami Heat: 5 Potential (Cheap) Willie Reed Replacements

Jan 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Roy Hibbert (55) looks to dunk he ball through the Portland Trail Blazers guard Shabazz Napier (6), forward Noah Vonleh (21) and guard forward Pat Connaughton (5) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 107-85. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

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5. Keith Benson, Sioux Falls Skyforce

If Willie Reed is considered a little-known commodity, Keith Benson‘s name may as well be John Doe.

Nonetheless, he’s a player with some talent, currently on the same trajectory as the guy he would theoretically replace. (Reed also toiled away in the D-League before finally breaking through in 2015-16.)

Benson put up huge numbers in his third year with the Sioux Falls Sky Force. He scored 20.5 points per game, to go with 10.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, while shooting 60.2 percent from the floor. His season-high of 33 points came on Dec. 30 against the Salt Lake City Stars.

The NBA’s official minor league website had Benson listed as their ninth-best prospect in their final 2016-17 rankings. Chris Reichert of The Step Back had him fifth in his own pecking order. According to Reichert:

"Benson leads the league in double doubles at 26, is one of two players (along with Shawn Long) averaging 20/10 and is second in league in blocks at 2.5 per game. He has extended his range to 18-feet with consistency (35-of-69 for 50.7 percent) and at 6-foot-11 could be a solid big off the bench in the league."

Think of Benson as a more skilled, slightly less athletic version of Reed. He can come in, play 15 minutes, block some shots and score a bit. Not to mention, he would come much cheaper than any of the other guys on our list.

Value-wise, you could do far worse than Benson. Look for him to be given the opportunity to earn a roster spot during training camp and preseason.

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