Miami Heat: 5 Potential (Cheap) Willie Reed Replacements
By Frank Urbina
3. Jeff Withey, Utah Jazz
Jeff Withey of the Utah Jazz only saw action in 51 games this season. DNP-CDs are abundant in his 2016-17 game log. And he has played fewer than 18 minutes in the playoffs, even despite Rudy Gobert missing the first three games of the postseason.
The Jazz desperately lacked size without their star center, and Withey still couldn’t get off the bench. So how could he possibly help the Heat?
Well, it’s simple. His superb ability as a shot-blocker gives him a chance to have a contributing role on a good team.
Though Withey only averaged 0.6 blocks per game during his fourth year as a pro, that number skyrockets to 2.7 if observed under the per-36-minute lens.
In addition, his 6.0 block percentage is the 15th-highest mark in the NBA.
Imagine the Heat’s rotation with Withey included: Whiteside — an outstanding shot blocker in his own right — goes to the bench, and supplanting him is a 7-footer with equal prowess swatting opponents’ attempts away.
48 minutes of true rim protection would make Miami’s elite defense even stingier.
(Note: Withey was recently accused of domestic violence by his ex-fiancee, but vehemently denied the allegations. If there’s an ounce of truth to the claims, he’ll deservedly be out of the NBA next year. The Heat’s interest in him is subject to change as more details come to light.)