Q: Ira, I saw you wrote about the Heat being smart about waiting onKlay Thompson. But weren’t there other decisions that were impacted. Do you think they would have re-signed Simone Fontecchio if they were sure Klay was coming. – Andrew.
A: Certainly a reasonable question. But with the way 3-point shooting can run hot and cold, and especially considering the Heat’s 3-point specialists all are in their 30s – Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Simone Fontecchio – such insurance also makes a degree of sense. What you don’t want to do is push Klay too hard too soon, if the goal is a deep playoff run. So this could turn out to be a season where the hot hand will rule, with Simone willing to wait his turn while Klay and Tim get first crack from beyond the arc. Now, if Simone was brought back at more than the minimum, then a case could have been made about haste. But for under $20 million this coming season, the Heat have quality, proven depth from beyond the arc.
Q: Klay Thompson only started 8 of the 69 games he played with Dallas last season. He had career lows in points per game and minutes per game. At age 36, how can you call him a likely Heat starter? – Jonathan, Coral Gables.
A: Because he arguably fits the starting lineup better, getting to utilize his gravity for Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, while also benefiting from their backline defense. Put Klay Thompson with the second unit, and suddenly there could be multiple defensive liabilities, when also factoring in Bobby Portis Jr.
Q: How will the Miami Heat address their need for playmaking and ballhandlers ? It seems to be a glaring need. Given the win-now nature of this roster, are Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith good enough point guards? Do you see the possibility of a trade before the season starts? – Brian.
A: I see this all as a work in progress. Remember, Myron Gardner only has a partial guarantee, so there remains a means to bring in two additional players for the start of the season, with a buyout market that might not be done yet, with the Aug. 29 “stretch” deadline looming. And, yes, do not rule out trades. The Heat can express all the hope they want with Nikola Jovic, but if the right deal comes along for the right player, this will all be about go-time.