Q: Miami seems to have a shortage of players that can dribble and pass. How does that get addressed? – Brian.
A: So the Heat lacked a true superstar since LeBron James, got Giannis Antetokounmpo, and suddenly that wasn’t enough? Then the Heat lacked shooters, got Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson, and that wasn’t enough? Now it’s about lack of play making and shot creation. No offense, but look back at so many of the recent NBA champions, none, based on these latest external Heat concerns, had perfect rosters. What makes a roster a championship roster is scheming by accentuating the strengths and minimizing the weaknesses. The best way to do that? Through a quality coach. Now, if the nitpicking is going to turn to Erik Spoelstra . . . well, then, what are we doing here?
Q: Ira, I can’t stop thinking that this signing of Klay Thompson is just so eerily similar to the Heat signing of Ray Allen in 2012. That team also needed a floor spacer to go along with the Big Three and they were able to get one of the greatest shooters of all-time for nearly the veteran minimum. Now the question is, who will the Heat get as our Chris “Birdman” Andersen to fill out the roster? – Greg, Jacksonville.
A: Let’s not do that to Nick Richards. Birdman was like a supernova flashing through the Heat sky. There will not be another. As for those who insist on one more big man, perhaps first reconsider Nikola Jovic. Bottom line is that if the Heat have to rely on Nick Richards – if he is added – then the concerns go beyond a single player. As it is, with so many playable options on the wings, expect plenty of smaller ball from Spoelstra when Bam Adebayo or Giannis Antetokounmpo are off the floor.
Q: Pat Riley & Co. are doing it again, building the fifth team that can compete for Eastern Conference and NBA Finals titles. This is why I’m a fan for 38 years. – Morgan, New Orleans.
A: It hasn’t always worked as planned over this past decade-plus, but it has never been for a lack of effort.