Q: Ira, why not just sign DeMar DeRozan and call it a day, leaving open the other spot to see what happens? – Eddy.
A: That certainly is an option. But let’s also reflect back for a bit of perspective. It was only a couple of years back when Erik Spoelstra noted how the Heat were facing an uphill battle by countering opposing threes with twos. That led to the emphasis on more of Tyler Herro’s attempts coming from beyond the arc. While a starting lineup featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and DeMar DeRozan assuredly would generate quality two-point looks, it again would leave the Heat lost in the math. The Heat can get their twos. The question is how to generate 3-point volume and efficiency.
Q: Ira, is Davion Mitchell going to burn himself out? – Steve.
A: Considering how exhausting it is merely keeping up with Davion Mitchell’s Instagram, with all of his posts about marathon shooting sessions and crack-of-dawn track work, that would seem a legitimate concern. The reality, though, is players remain active 7-24-365, which is why there are so many facilities made available worldwide during the offseason for such workouts.
Q: Ira, this is why the Marlins will never get the fan base the Heat have – 1 1/2 games out of a wildcard spot and and instead of trying to get a bat or a pitcher, they are sellers. I think the fans would welcome a Heat-type approach and have them go for it once in a while instead of always being sellers. – Rich, Plantation.
A: The difference is the Heat have developed a fan base that is considerable in size with considerable expectations, a level the Marlins only rarely have sustained. That doesn’t mean the Marlins’ prospects might not flourish one day – as could all the youth the Heat dealt for Giannis Antetokounmpo. It’s just that the Heat have made clear their for-best-or-worse live-in-the-momment commitment.