Nerlens Noel is another name that has emerged as a viable option for Miami.

He can definitely bring the energy and intensity that Miami needs in a back up big. His inability to truly stretch the floor means that he will not be getting many minutes next to Bam, but once again that is just fine.

He gives them some rebounding and rim protection which is ultimately what they need.

His defensive attributes is what stands out most on his resume, since he has the ability to guard the perimeter as well. This means he can replicate some of the things that Bam Adebayo does on the defensive end.

In only 18 minutes a game, Nerlens Noel averaged 1.5 blocks and 1 steal a game. That’s a pretty good stat line considering the role that he had with OKC this past season.

Miami doesn’t need a back-up big to score 15 a night. They just need a guy that is willing to play their role, much like Meyers Leonard did this past season, but can ultimately be trusted defensively to be on the court without Bam.

Nerlens Noel also fits the mold of a guy that still needs to prove himself, much like I mentioned with Harry Giles. Miami is the perfect opportunity for a player like that, since he can have a decent role with a team that is actually contending for a title.

Nerlens does have some offensive limitations though. But with the firepower offensively on the Miami Heat’s roster, that shouldn’t be an issue.

And if they were to make this signing, it doesn’t automatically mean that Meyers Leonard is out of the picture. If Meyers is willing to accept a leadership role with this Heat team for the minimum, they will happily bring him back.

And having extra big men wouldn’t be the worst thing for Miami, especially since Nerlens Noel is known for having issues with foul trouble.

Nerlens Noel is another one of those cheap big man options that Miami could go for, so there’s definitely a chance that they go this route.