Q: Hey Ira, no disrespect to any championship veteran point guards that may be out there. I just think Davion Mitchell has earned his keep. All the guy did last season was shoot 3s at a higher percentage than Steph Curry and maintain a higher A/TO ratio than Jamal Murray, Derrick White and Jalen Brunson, to say nothing of his Off-Night defense. Why am I still reading about other guys coming to play point guard? Make it make sense. – Michael, Kensington, Md.
A: Because of depth. No one is questioning that Davion Mitchell has earned and is capable of holding a spot in the Heat’s rotation. The questions are whether there is enough alongside at the position. So is Dru Smith an effective enough backup? And does there have to be more than two-way player Tre Donaldson beyond those two, in case of injury? Davion Mitchell is not the question at point guard. The question is what is alongside and whether it is enough for a contender. It is a legitimate question, and one that certainly should, at the least, have the Heat on the lookout for something more, in case it doesn’t pan out in the preseason or prior to February’s NBA trade deadline.
Q: Nobody talks about Lonzo Ball being available. He can be the playmaker the Heat need. They can add him on a non-guaranteed contract or two-way, and if they get him back to form, he could be the puzzle piece to get the championship. – Frankie.
A: First, Lonzo Ball has been in the NBA too long to qualify for a two-way contract, which is limited to those with three or fewer seasons of service. And while the Heat do have an open roster spot, the preferred path for any upgrade at this point likely would be on ready-to-go talent, not necessarily a player who may or may not still have it. Keep in mind that Lonzo has been available to any NBA team since he was dealt by the Cavaliers to the Jazz in February and then immediately waived.
Q: Assuming the major moves of the offseason have been completed, with the Heat having acquired the best player to change teams in Giannis Antetokounmpo, is it reasonable to say the Heat have won the offseason? Notwithstanding that, which team is the most improved over the course of the offseason? – Michael, Port St. Lucie.
A: Yes, a case certainly could be made for the Heat winning the summer. But a case also could be made for the 76ers, considering they added All-Stars in both Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Beyond that, Philadelphia arguably gave up less than the Heat to make those two additions.