Rating the best centers available

MIAMI — Sun Sentinel writer Ira Winderman looks at the top five center candidates in Thursday’s NBA draft and the Heat’s depth and needs at the position, with the July 1 start of free agency also looming:

1. Deandre Ayton, 7-1, Arizona, freshman

Ayton has the rare combination of elite athleticism on the defensive end, scoring talent on the offensive end and physical measurables to be a franchise player, similar to David Robinson.

2. Mohamed Bamba, 7-0, Texas, freshman

Bamba may be the best rim protector in the 2018 NBA draft class and is slowly improving his shooting mechanics to be a real threat on offense.

3. Wendell Carter Jr., 6-01, Duke, freshman

Carter Jr. projects to be a stretchfive in the NBA who can score in the paint, from mid-range and beyond the arc, using his outside shot to open up the floor.

4. Mitchell Robinson, 7-0, Western Kentucky, freshman

Robinson is an extremely raw prospect who excels on defense, but is a bit of a question mark due to the fact that he didn’t play a single game of college basketball due to a violation of team rules.

5. Moritz Wagner, 6-11, Michigan, junior

Wagner’s game is ideal for today’s NBA with his ability to knock down 3-pointers efficiently, create shots off of the dribble, and rebound effectively on both sides of the ball.

Heat status: The Heat have Hassan Whiteside, Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk under contract at the position, with Udonis Haslem, an impending free agent, also capable at center, if re-signed.

Heat need: Even if the Heat make a move with Whiteside, there still is ample depth at the position, with minutes possible at power forward for Olynyk and Adebayo as a means for coach Erik Spoelstra to maximize his roster. It is doubtful the Heat would bring in anything other than a minimum-salary big man to provide camp competition, although former Heat center Willie Reed is available.