[Miami, FL] With The Miami Heat looking toward the playoffs – and not particularly liking what they see – on Wednesday the team signed veteran center Ronny Turiaf in hopes of adding some bigger, better talent in the middle.

“We are very happy to be able to add an experienced veteran center at this stage of the season,” said Miami Heat President Pat Riley. “Ronny’s energy will be a great addition and bolster our front line.”

An all-out press by the Heat players – including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade – convinced Turiaf to join the South Florida squad.

“High energy, great character and gives us another body and another presence in the middle, which we’re going to need going into these playoffs,” Wade was quoted as saying by FOX Sports. “I think he’s going to fit right in. For us, it was a no-brainer. … Once he gets into Miami Heat shape, gets those playoff legs ready, I think he’s going to be a great fit for us.”

The Heat’s current roster currently has three big men, but all of them are big disappointments seen as unable to match up to the likes of Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. Joel Anthony only averages 3.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. And much ballyhooed pickup Eddy Curry has only scored 62 points this season – and that total includes the points scored by the team’s other center, Dexter Pittman.

There was room to add Turiaf after Mickell Gladness‘ 10-day contract expired.

Turiaf, who played in four games for the Washington Wizards this season before sustaining an injury,doesn’t bring much more than that to the table, but he is fresh meat and the other guys just ain’t cutting it inside. And with the trade deadline passed, Turiaf – who was included in a trade earlier this season and waived – was just about the only thing going.

Turiaf does have extensive playoff experience, however, appearing in 30 games and shooting 44.8% from the field.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: NBAE

Miami Heat