Marvin Williams A Good Fit For Miami Heat
By Kevin Major
@KevinMajor_Rant
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat are in a precarious position. They are attempting to sign notable free agents to strengthen their roster and convince LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to stay in Miami. However, without knowing how much cap room the Big Three are going to occupy, the Heat are unable to give prospective free agents a firm contract offer. This crippling vortex of uncertainty may very well result in Miami missing out on their primary free agent targets and subsequently losing one, if not all, of the Big Three.
While Miami’s situation is a difficult one, these is an opportunity to make fringe moves that will improve the team. Finding veterans who are looking to chase a ring for a reduced salary should be the Heat’s main focus. One such move would be signing free agent forward Marvin Williams.
Williams never lived up to the expectations surrounding him after being drafted second overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2005 NBA Draft. After seven average seasons with the Hawks, Williams was traded to the Utah Jazz prior to the 2012-13 season. Last year, Williams posted solid numbers for the Jazz. He averaged 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 66 games.
After years of relying on athleticism to get by, injuries have forced Williams to change his game. With Utah, Williams was primarily used as a stretch-four. He shot just under 36 percent from outside the arc last season, and his 84 made three-pointers were by far the most of his career.
If signed, Williams would assume a similar role for the Heat. Miami could turn to Williams to replace free agent Rashard Lewis and the recently retired Shane Battier. Adding Williams would also work to infuse Miami’s roster with younger players. Despite having nine professional seasons under his belt, Williams is still just 28 years old.
According to Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports, Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra have already met with Williams to discuss joining the Heat. If they can convince the former UNC star to accept a reduced salary to chase a championship, he would be a solid addition to the four-time defending Eastern Conference champs.
Kevin Major is a writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @KevinMajor_Rant, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
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