Q: In response to Tyler Herro playing through pain for the consideration of a future contract extension: Do we want to go there and reward a player who can’t medically show up for work? Tua Tagovailoa’s contact with the Dolphins should serve as an example with players who are chronically injured. – Rodney.
A: And don’t for a second think that is not in the Heat’s thinking, as well. That’s why the best approach seemingly would be for Tyler to play out the final year on his contract next season and then see where that takes the Heat and Tyler in 2027 free agency. At the moment, it seems like the only option, perhaps with a contract that somehow includes games-played protections. As it is, Tyler on Monday will miss his 10th game with a toe contusion, having appeared in only six this season. That means even if Tyler were to return Thursday in Detroit, the most games he could play this season would be 55 games, and that only if he would appear in each remaining game. That would make it the fourth season in his seven of 55 or fewer.
Q: When this team is fully healthy, Kel’el Ware should start and Davion Mitchell should come off the bench. – Jason.
A: You mean “if” this team ever is fully healthy, because every time it seems close, there is another twist. First, Kel’el Ware should start because it is the only way to get him the minutes he deserves in the power rotation along with Bam Adebayo. But while Davion Mitchell to the bench is possible, so might be Andrew Wiggins. When healthy, Bam, Kel’el, Tyler Herro and Norman Powell start. But if Wiggins goes to the bench, that then could be limiting to Pelle Larsson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. By contrast, with Davion off the bench, it could be limiting to Dru Smith and Kasparas Jakucionis. Or you could make a trade?
Q: The Dolphins need the NFL to add a play-in, then they could be like the Heat. – Keyon.
A: Because that’s just what we need, another league rewarding mediocrity. As it is, even with Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins, the Bucs still can make the playoffs with a losing record. Clearly the Dolphins need to be in the NFC South (where their potential 8-9 finish might be good enough to make the playoffs).