Prying Away Nerlens Noel Would Help Miami Heat's Bench

The NBA Finals have not started yet, but when you have had an early exit from the playoffs like the Miami Heat, the focus changes to how to improve the organization. With Kevin Durant likely out of the picture — barring a Russell Westbrook-caused collapse — Pat Riley should focus on finding pieces the team will need to put the bench together. One such piece is possibly Philadelphia 76ers power forward Nerlens Noel.

According to ESPN reports, the 6-foot-11 big man as well as center Jahlil Okafor are expected to hit the trading block sometime this summer. It is an attempt for the team to compete now, while also unclogging their logjam of past and present first-round draft picks.

If Joel Embiid is finally cleared to play — after two years of foot surgery — and Dario Saric actually is brought back from Turkey, the 76ers would have four first-round picks at 6-foot-10 or taller. Add presumptive No. 1 pick Ben Simmons — who will be looked at to be aggressive — and that makes five frontcourt players trying to make their mark in the league and contribute.

That is a lot of young big men wanting their turn at the ball. That is where Miami comes in. Assuming that the 76ers are not simply fishing to acquire another pick to grab a point guard, the Heat should try to offload Josh McRoberts.

Of course McRoberts is 6-foot-10, however the vet plays more like a lead guard. His quirky, pass-first style will possibly be a better fit with a team of less experienced players who will need someone to get them the ball, rather than Miami’s Dwyane Wade-heavy offense that has no patience for hesitation.

The Heat should try to save $1.5 million and patch up their weak frontcourt reserves with a player like Noel who averaged two blocks and eight rebounds in Philadelphia last season.