Q: Ira, why are you writing about trades or free agents? Erik Spoelstra tells us \u201cwe like our depth\u201d . . . so use it. Play Kel\u2019el Ware, play Nikola Jovic, Keshad Johnson. \u2013 Sandy.<\/p>\n
A: Because, as we have been and will be, we continue to deal with a team that is playing to win, while insisting components are being developed behind the scenes. A staple with Erik Spoelstra has been that playing time is earned. Nikola Jovic has not shown that he is earning it. Kel\u2019el Ware has been given uneven minutes amid uneven play. The bottom line is there is no pretense with the Heat<\/a>. They\u2019re playing to win the game. And those who definitively can help win the games will be those who play.<\/p>\n Q: Ira, with regard to your Q&A about a true point guard, have you forgotten who the Heat drafted this year, Kasparas Jakucionis? Yes he is raw but we saw his upside during the preseason and his connection with Kel\u2019el Ware. He was projected as a lottery pick before falling in the draft. Some consider him to be Miami\u2019s true point guard of the future. \u2013 Rodney, Miami.<\/p>\n A: As he well could be. For now, based on the immediate ability to contribute, he stands behind Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith. But there is a very real world where he could move up to at least No. 2 at some point this season. But that likely won\u2019t be until the second half of the season, if at all. When consistency is shown in the G League, opportunity could follow for the Heat.<\/p>\n