Q: Regarding your article: “Even with AnteBayo, Heat up for serious challenge in energized East,” it appears the Heat are going to be a play-in team again next season. So that begs the question: Was it worth it to trade our youth for “the now” when the results will likely be the same? – Rodney.
A: Just because there is a chance of another play-in seed in the East does not mean the Heat are viewing it as such. No, you do not give up so much just to wind up in seventh place. That says plenty about how the Heat view the transaction. Similarly, Giannis Antetokounmpo would not have jumped aboard if he thought this merely was going to be a play-in team. So the Heat are confident and Giannis is confident, which is what matters.
Q: Ira, As a follow up to “Ask Ira “and a subject I have written to you about several times the last few years, the Serbian coach/team allow Jovic the freedom to play on the perimeter and he excels in that role. Erik Spoelstra stubbornly continues to force him into a power role and he is not that. Perhaps with Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, Jovic will be given the freedom to play his natural position, as a point forward. It is time we coach him to his strengths and stop forcing him to be something he is not. Your thoughts? Thanks – Brian, Boca Raton.
A: The reality is that leading men dictate roles and others follow as needed. What had been needed to this point was Nikola Jovic in a power role. Perhaps, as you note, that now changes with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mix. But when Erik Spoelstra is strategizing, the needs of Nikola Jovic, for better or worse, are not going to be at the top of the organizational process. It remains, in his case, the NBA cliche of fit in or fit out.
Q: How about signing Gary Payton Jr? I’d love to see his dad at the games, too. – Steven, Boca Raton.
A: The irony there is whether the Heat instead might have to make room for Bronny James. Just saying.