Miami Heat To Sign Veteran Backup Center


The Miami Heat have been looking for a viable backup center behind Bam Adebayo, and it appears that they have their man—nine-year veteran Cody Zeller. 

The Heat parted ways with Dewayne Dedmon at the trade deadline, and have been without another backup center, Omer Yertseven, for much of the season due to injury. They turned to the free agent market this past week, and brought in Zeller for a workout.  

As noted by Heat reporter Barry Jackson, Zeller obviously impressed Heat brass. In addition, they decided to go with a center instead of a guard with their last roster spot due to the fact that Kyle Lowry's knee issues have improved, and they're confident that Victor Oladipo will be back soon, and along with Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler will be able to handle any ballhandling duties if Lowry is out again.

Zeller, 30, was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, and spent his first eight years with Charlotte, where he averaged 8.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game.  

Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports