Q: You recently mentioned that Dru Smith is “seemingly assured of minutes . . . as the only point guard beyond Mitchell.” I’m not convinced. I see nine of 10 rotation spots as a lock: Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Gianis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bobby Portis, Pelle Larsson, reserve big (Nick Richards or otherwise). That leaves Dru, Nikola Jovic and Simone Fontecchio fighting for that 10th spot, and I give it to Fontecchio. And if we don’t sign a reserve big, then Niko undoubtedly gets the nod over Dru for the final spot because of our need for depth at power rotation. I just can’t find minutes for Dru. Convince me otherwise. – Gabe.
A: The convincing is in the current composition of the roster – you need two point guards, even for all the ballhandling that might go to Bam Adebayo. Further, if Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. are in the rotation on a particular night, it is likely that Simone Fontecchio will be getting that night off. Similarly, if center-to-be-named (Nick Richards?) in the rotation, then it could be difficult to also spot in Nikola Jovic. In fact, with so many perimeter options, there may be plenty of rotations that include either Bam Adebayo or Giannis Antetokounmpo as the only big man on the court. The bottom line is that a backup point guard will find more minutes than a third-string shooting specialist or a third-string big man.
Q: A lot of people submitting questions here sound like ingrates, but I’m optimistic. We have so much talent on our roster with Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway and everyone that remained after this summer’s trade. We have Erik Spoelstra. Nikola Jovic is gonna have a huge rebound season after an excellent, confidence-boosting summer. Maybe not a top-four regular-season finish given how stacked the East is, but at least out of the play-in. If healthy, we can compete against anyone and are capable of making a deep playoff run. With the right move at the trade deadline, we can be in position to truly contend for a title. And many more Giannis years to come. – Sean, Houston.
A: The Heat will be better than last season. But another given is that the East will be better. So the Heat can be on the rise . . . and still back in the play-in. Both things can be true. For example, it is not out of the question that finishing ahead of the Heat could be the Knicks, 76ers, Cavaliers, Pistons, Celtics and Pacers (or others). Not saying that will happen, just that it is within the realm. Challenges remain, even with a stronger roster and a top-five talent.
Q: Ira, presuming no trade that hard caps us, will the Heat be back under normal cap restrictions? – Bruce.
A:The Heat’s hard cap (created by the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade machinations) will last the entire season and cap calendar. It will reset on July 1, 2027. Now, could they hard cap themselves again at that point? Certainly, depending on what personnel vehicles they do or do not utilize.