Q: Ira, that was a hell of a showcase for the Grizzlies for Ja Morant on Sunday. Are the Heat still only going to offer cap filler and leftovers? – Steve.
A: A given about the NBA is that one game is relatively meaningless in the 82-game season. But Sunday’s 24 points, 13 assists and five rebounds with 3-of-4 3-point shooting was a reminder of what Ja Morant can be at his best. But how often is there a best at this point? If the Grizzlies’ goal is to showcase, then it would have to be more than one game, with ample time for that ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trading deadline. As far as the Heat, it is safe to say there was no offer, just the typical vetting process. And what Sunday’s victory over the Magic in London showed is how fluid the league and its results and its statistics can be. The Heat are an example of that, with the waffling values of Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic and others. You could look at Saturday against the Thunder and say Pelle Larsson is untouchable or that the upside of Kasparas Jakucionis is too much to discard. The timing of trades, if there is to be one, is like the stock market. It’s all about the timing.
Q: Ira, nothing about the elephant in the room? Tyler Herro was out and the Heat beat the best team in the league. – Franklin.
A: I still would give the elephant in the room a bit more leeway, considering the injuries that have been battled. Tyler Herro is capable of singlehandedly winning games on his own. If that happens during this five-game trip, the narrative could easily flip. It might be asking a bit much, but there still has to be a degree of patience with a player that talented offensively.
Q: Pat Riley, “We’re chasing a whale in 2028… and then 2029… and then 2031… and then 2032.” – Y.H.
A: Except Pat Riley didn’t say that, but rather it was speculated by other NBA types and then reported as such regarding the potential 2027 free-agency class. In fact, in many of Pat Riley’s more recent media sessions he has spoken less about hitting the home run and more about hitting singles to advance the process. What some speculate Pat Riley is considering doesn’t mean it is what Pat is thinking. And the Heat’s personnel decisions now are a village, with Erik Spoelstra having considerable input.