Q: What say you now Mr. Anti-Jovic? Without Nikola Jovic where would they have been Saturday night? – Eddie.
A: What I say is if the Heat get this Nikola Jovic, the one who on Saturday night played with aggression, was active on the glass, moved the ball, then it’s the right player at the right time. But that’s also why performances like Saturday night’s with Nikola also can be so maddening, because he has this in him. And this is about more than the career-high 29 points. It’s about the intent to do more than float on the perimeter. The Heat already have a floater in Kel’el Ware. And let’s not overlook the six turnovers or the forced shot late in the fourth quarter that instantly had Erik Spoelstra in angry timeout mode. So what I say is more of the good Niko, because undoubtedly there is something there.
Q: Ira, when you look at the NFL trading deadline, the good teams added the pieces needed to get them better. That’s what the Eagles did with Jaelan Phillips. That’s what Andrew Wiggins is going to be. He can make a contender better. – Orlie.
A: So you’re saying the Heat are not contenders? (OK, let’s move beyond that.) First, I don’t think the Heat need to think trade mode at the moment. They have remained above water during this grueling stretch of the schedule, at least to this point – with two against the Cavaliers and then two against the Knicks to follow. But your logic is sound. Andrew Wiggins, as he showed with the Warriors, makes good players better. So, yes, there could be trade value there. For now, the goal is determine Heat value, which has been considerable through these opening three weeks of the season. It could be interesting at the trade deadline in February, though, with several components (perhaps even Norman Powell) who stand as potentially attractive trade targets for contenders (if, of course, you’re saying the Heat are not contenders).
Q: Should the Heat take a second look at their broadcasting relation with Fan Duel? The image doesn’t look good. – Luis, Boca Raton.
A: That ship has long sailed when it comes to the sports-gambling partnership. “Bet responsibly” has many meanings, but for sports leagues it means bet on the gambling industry helping to pay the bills. Terry Rozier might be out of view, but the gambling sponsorships are here to stay, and more than likely will increase. Leagues, teams and owners follow the money. That’s currently where the money is.