Q: Norman Powell is making his case for us re-signing Herro and letting him walk. – Aja.
A: It has been a tough go for Norman Powell since the All-Star break. And that has to create pause when it comes to a 32-year-old who is seeking a contract extension, a player who turns 33 on May 25. Yes, there still is time for a turnaround, but this Norman Powell is not the same Heat player who earned his way to his first career All-Star berth. Yes, a quality contributor, good locker room guy and class all the way in the community. But when it comes to an extension, it is about more than the moment. But also no rush with Tyler Herro, who still has a year left under contract. If it is play-in again, then you don’t double-down on anyone on the roster. The Heat have to be in a show-me state when it comes to finding someone to provide a postseason breakthrough.
Q: Ira, Bam Adebayo scoring all those points against Washington was fun, but then Erik Spoelstra says he got hurt the next game and hasn’t been the same. It looks foolish now, doesn’t it (and not for all the reasons about Kobe or the record or asterisks)? – Franklin.
A: It was apparent in the games following the 83 points against the Wizards that the night took a toll on Bam Adebayo. But he said he did not experience the soreness in his calf until the Bucks game two nights later, so who knows for sure? Yes, the Heat are in an every-game matters stretch of their playoff race, with only 13 games left now in the regular season. But sometimes sports delivers something so special, so rare, so unique that you are allowed to look past the team aspect. Bam had an opportunity for his moment and obviously wanted that moment. Yes, there always is risk in chasing reward. So now we will see how limited and how long this issue might linger, after he sat out Tuesday night in Charlotte.
Q: Ira, have to ask again: Why keep holding on to Terry Rozier’s contract when you can sign another player? What are they waiting for? – Sam
A: Other than perhaps saving on adding an extra contract, it is difficult to find a reason. Perhaps from some legal standpoint it will be easier to claw back Terry Rozier’s salary if he ends the season on the roster, as his case proceeds through the court system. But, at the moment, there is the no-risk reality of being able to sign any available player to a 10-day contract. And if the need should change or that player not work out, there is the ability to sub out another player on a 10-day contract.