Miami Heat: How Andrew Bogut would fit with their final roster spot

While it may not make or break their year, the Miami Heat will soon need to decide upon their final roster spot this season.

At 35-19, the Miami Heat have clearly far exceeded expectations thus far this season. Despite consistently finding themselves without a full complement of players available, the Heat have managed to assert their status as a legitimate playoff contender throughout the course of the season.

Despite finishing their schedule prior to the All-Star break with a 1-4 record on their West Coast road trip, there’s plenty to look forward to from a Heat perspective. In addition to the recent acquisition of swingmen Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder, the Heat are also looking forward to bringing back the key duo of Meyers Leonard and Tyler Herro. Sidelined for the entire five-game road trip, Leonard and Herro’s absence was certainly felt during the midst of such a challenging part of the schedule.

Having said that, the Heat nonetheless still have one roster spot remaining as they enter the home stretch of the season. Naturally, many options will be considered and opinions canvassed as the Heat front office and coaching staff try to decipher the best possible fit. Given the Heat’s fourth-place standing in the Eastern Conference, and their clear intent to push as far into the postseason as possible, a veteran addition seems the most necessary and likely option.

When assessing the current roster, the most glaring need in terms of a short-term fit should be a backup center. While Meyers Leonard has been a terrific addition both on and off the floor, and Bam Adebayo has blossomed into a first-time All-Star and potential superstar, the need for an additional rim protector and experienced hand down low has been evident at various times throughout the season. While rookie Chris Silva has performed admirably in working his way from a two-way contract, he is only 6’8″ with just 289 career minutes under his belt.

This is where Andrew Bogut comes into the equation. A former No. 1 overall pick, Bogut has a wealth of experience, not only with his 14-year NBA career, but also internationally with his native Australia. Currently, Bogut is playing with the Sydney Kings of the NBL in Australia, and has led the Kings to the top of the standings and are about to enter their postseason run. Standing 7’0″, Bogut is not only still a terrific interior defender and rebounder, his passing ability as a big man is excellent, as was evident during his multiple playoff runs with the Golden State Warriors.

Brought in toward the end of last season by the Warriors for their postseason run after having fulfilled his commitments with the Kings, Bogut could certainly replicate that this season in joining the Heat.

On the eve of his first home game back with the Warriors, head coach Steve Kerr outlined the reception he expected for Bogut:

"“I think he’s going to get a raucous reception, our fans recognize that Andrew represented the shift in the Warriors organization and its emphasis on defense.”"

Keep in mind, the statements and praise provided above by Kerr, Durant and Stephen Curry provided above are from less than 12 months ago . Although he started five games with the Warriors, Bogut would likely be utilised sparingly for the Heat, with his appearances reserved for times in which head coach Erik Spoelstra has a specific role in mind.

Given his relationship with Andre Iguodala, his ability to utilise shooters, and also his elite presence in the paint, Andrew Bogut still has plenty of quality attributes that he brings to the table.

And if it was good enough for a team chasing their third straight title to sign him towards the end of the season, it should be good enough for the Miami Heat in their return to this postseason.