Analyzing the Heat's Centers

The Heat are 13 games into the new season. Time to analyze the centers on the roster. every Heat fan would like to forget last year's trio of incapable, lethargic centers. None of them left the bench by the time the finals rolled around. Dampier was slow, and did little else, besides clogging the lane. The same goes for Dampier. Ilgauskas was too slow to defend, rebound, or get down the court. Yes, those days are over. The Heat struck out on Nene and Samuel Dalambert, who changed his mind and signed with the Rockets. This current group might do damage because being a center on this Heat team entails less work than being a center on another team. Boxing out should be a must, as well as some rebounding, defending, and being ready to catch an easy dunk from any of the big three as they will rightfully get most of the attention on the floor.

Joel Anthony-Being undersized, Joel Anthony had many difficulties last year despite blocking many shots and doing very well at defending. This year, he is shedding the image of fumbling easy passes, and missing easy shots. He is shooting a career high 59 percent. i personally would love to see a couple more rebounds, and his blocking numbers did not catch up yet. He is currently the Heat's starter.

Dexter Pittman-He might not be in NBA shape yet, but Pittman seems to make the most of his minutes, scoring wise. He averages eight minutes a game so far, and is shooting fifty percent. He does also need to cut down on his fouls, but it is great to have size and bulk down low that can do something other than take up space. Expect him to get better, especially after proving himself in the D league last year.

Chris Bosh-So far, Bosh playing center has benefited the Heat. He has relied on his speed and often slips screens. Many of his crowd rousing dunks has come from the center position. He has the size at 6'11, and put on more muscle over the offseason to deal with the physicality of playing down low. There was hesitation last year, but he warmed up to the idea. Bosh playing at center opens up the power forward position for Haslem, who leads all bench players in the league in rebounds.

Mikel Gladness-The 6'11 shot blocker tried out for the heat last year and did not make it. This year, he did. The Alabama A&M product left college ranked in the top 25 all time as a shot blocker. He has played garbage time minutes. The Heat elected to go young, and it might be a worthwhile decision.

Eddy Curry-Certainly the most proven true center on the Heat. In 2007, he averaged 19 points per game on 57 percent shooting. Soon after, he found himself the odd man out to Mike D'Antoni's seven seconds or less offense. he lost weigh and is now in the best shape of his life. Curry was never a good rebounder or defender, but he should be able to maintain his scoring form from a couple years ago. I want him to box people out with his wide frame. Then i would be satisfied.

The Heat has a mix of rebounding, scoring, and defending in a mix. If coach Spo can utilize them at the proper times against the proper opponents, then the big man problems can be a thing of the past.


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