Did Erik Spoelstra Reveal the Miami Heat’s Backup Center Plan?

MIAMI, Fla. – Ever since Bam Adebayo emerged as a primary starter, the Miami Heat have struggled to find a backup center who can provide consistent stability; however, head coach Erik Spoelstra might be trying something different this time around.

Despite signing veteran Nick Richards to a non-guaranteed standard contract, it’s been Bobby Portis Jr. and Nikola Jovic sharing the court together, but splitting the workload in the middle in the first two preseason games. As Spoelstra is looking to retain some principles of last year’s fast-paced offense, it allows both lengthy forwards to mesh together.

Both have the size to deliver a paint presence, but space the floor with three-point shooting. Although it can work offensively, defensively is where concerns can arise. When facing bigger centers such as Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Karl-Anthony Towns, it creates a mismatch.

Richards is listed at 6-11, 255 pounds, and entered the league in 2020 with a 7-2 wingspan. He has the physical tools to face those one-on-one opponents. Richards can’t space the floor like Portis Jr. or Jovic, but the 28-year-old delivers a strong paint presence on both sides of the court. He’s a lob threat and has had three consecutive seasons averaging at least one block.

The Heat have lacked size in recent years, especially during the long playoff runs since 2020.

Richard’s one-year, $3.1 million contract becomes fully guaranteed on Opening Day – Oct. 20. It’s worth noting that the deal only pertains to a $2.45 million cap hit.

As an 82-game regular season can consist of high uncertainty, including injuries, keeping Richards on the standard roster could be seen as a viable choice. For any championship contender, depth is greatly valuable and the stars won’t always be the ones to be the heroes.

Richards has only played 25 total minutes in the preseason. He entered when the main cast were pulled out and didn’t return to the court. Richards still has a strong chance to make the active roster, but consistent playing time could be another challenge throughout the regular season.

The Heat have high hopes for Jovic to blossom and Portis Jr. is a more established veteran with championship-caliber experience. Plus, as floor spacers, they can play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Last season, Richards had more opportunities to operate from behind the arc – shot 27.8 percent. If he can earn Spoelstra’s trust from long range the same way Adebayo has, it could unlock the Heat’s offense further.

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