Q: Ira, Erik Spoelstra said he will continue to play the starters in the preseason. But is that smart to do at Giannis Antentokoumpo’s age, with how much the Heat need him? – Paul.
A: First, Giannis Antetokounmpo is 31, not 41, not 51. And it’s not as if the Heat pushed him through extended minutes in the preseason opener against the Raptors, with the expectation of something similar Thursday night against the Pelicans. Yes, he had a few aggressive moments during Tuesday night’s intrasquad scrimmage, but after a failed dunk and then a putback dunk, he clearly eased off. And at Wednesday’s practice, he already was off the floor by the time the gym was open to the media. The Heat have an extensive history of working with 30-something superstars. They managed that well and would be expected to do the same with Giannis. They simply have too much invested to push to the point of no return (and they also need him to return, on his extension).
Q: Even from one preseason game, I can tell Andrew Wiggins is going to have the opportunity to change people’s perception of him as being ” Eh.” – Dim.
A: The perceptions of who? Andrew Wiggins never will be the flashiest player on the floor, but he often is the most consistent. Is he a leading man? No. A No. 2? Arguably not. But does he have what it takes to play as a contributing starter on a championship contender? Absolutely. In fact, based on how he learned to play in support with Steph Curry and the Warriors, he stands as arguably a perfect fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Q: Wait, I thought the Heat Culture was too serious for this? – Tae.
A: This was in response to the Heat letting loose with a whole lot of abject silliness during Tuesday’s intrasquad scrimmage, which actually is the perfect time for such antics. In fact, you probably shouldn’t take anything during the exhibition season too seriously (“Oh my God, Giannis can only play half the game!”). Heat Culture (or with lower-case c, if you prefer) isn’t about lack of fun, it’s about enjoyment with purpose. And if they can smile while they win, all the better.