Miami Heat: Analyzing what Meyers Leonard brings to the table

Arriving with the Miami Heat as part of the complex Jimmy Butler deal, here’s a look at what to expect from center Meyers Leonard.

In the process of Hassan Whiteside being shown the door as part of the four-team deal that landed them Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat were also able to find a replacement for Whiteside in their frontcourt with the acquisition of center Meyers Leonard.

Considering the enormity of Butler’s arrival, its little wonder that Leonard’s arrival has come with little fanfare. A 7’1″ center, Leonard just completed his seventh season in the league, all with the Portland Trail Blazers, after being taken No. 11 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Overall, Leonard primarily played as backup with the Blazers, starting in just 42 of his 393 career regular season games. However, and in particular last season, the 27-year-old demonstrated his ability to contribute when afforded an increase in playing time.

Never was this more prevalent than during the Blazers’ 4-0 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. With the Blazers trailing 2-0, Leonard was inserted into the starting lineup, just the second time he’s started in a playoff game for his career. Needless to say, he clearly made the most of his opportunity.

Having played a total of 99 minutes for the postseason, Leonard averaged 23.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while playing 35.5 minutes per game over the final two games. In fitting fashion, Leonard’s final game with Portland was one to remember.

While the Blazers lost narrowly, 119-117, Leonard exploded for a career-high 30 points on 12-of-16 shooting to go along with 12 rebounds, three assists and five triples.

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In addition to these playoff performances, the Blazers were 8-3 when Leonard played at least 20 minutes in the regular season. Breaking this down even further, Leonard averaged 14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and was a +47 over the four appearances in which he played at least 25 minutes, during which the Blazers recorded a 3-1 record.

In terms of his fit with the Heat, that’s where things get a little interesting. Currently, they will enter the 2019-20 season with Bam Adebayo as the starting center, with Kelly Olynyk as his primary backup. In addition, James Johnson has the ability to switch over to the center spot when necessary.

Having said that, and given the versatility of all three of Adebayo, Olynyk and Johnson, there’s no doubt head coach Erik Spoelstra will find opportunities to experiment with this trio at times alongside Leonard.

But above all else, Leonard is certain to create far fewer headaches for coach Spoelstra than his incumbent Whiteside. While he handled his demotion to the second unit last season with aplomb, Whiteside has had a much-heralded history of expressing his displeasure in his role. However, with Blazers’ starting center Jusuf Nurkic out for the foreseeable future in his recovery from a broken leg, Whiteside should get sufficient opportunity in his new home in the final year of his $98 million contract.

While Meyers Leonard was a popular teammate on and off the floor in Portland, it’s clear from their movements thus far that the Blazers were looking to shake things up this offseason. So with a fresh start and some genuine playoff experience under his belt, the time could be right for him to make a significant impact with the Miami Heat.