Q: Ira, Erik Spoelstra went small at the end against Portland, even when the Trail Blazers went big, He went big with Kel’el Ware against Cleveland, even when the Cavaliers went small without Jarrett Allen. So there isn’t only one way. It’s about pushing the right buttons. Go Spo. – Mitchell.
A: There are so many ways to parse all of this. In fact, on a play when an alley-oop dunk was the winning play Monday and something was needed toward the rim, Kel’el Ware wasn’t even on the floor, subbed out for Nikola Jovic, who threw the winning pass to Andrew Wiggins. But what this mostly speaks to is the depth of versatility on the roster. For example, had Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro been available for the Heat on Monday night against the Cavaliers, would Nikola even have been in the game? Or Andrew? Sometimes, it’s easier to orchestrate a roster when there are five or six definitive elements. Instead, Erik Spoelstra has woven an early-season tapestry of right men for the right moments, including Monday night.
Q: Hi. Ira. Am I the only fan that really likes this team? I don’t want anyone traded unless it’s for Giannis Antetokounmpo. This is a fun team, playing fun-to-watch basketball. Let these guys stay together at least this season and next, building chemistry and playing for one another. Save our draft picks for the next potential star currently playing in college. Seems to me the winning teams are the ones who’ve played together for several seasons. We’ve had enough “tumult” to last us a while. – Cheryl, Fort Lauderdale.
A: Riding it out this season certainly is within the realm. But this as an enduring team? Not sure considering Andrew Wiggins can opt out next summer and considering Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio can enter free agency. Plus we have to see where the Heat go with Tyler Herro’s next extension window There simply are too many variables to forecast at the moment behind this season. But there certainly is nothing wrong with enjoying the ride. Monday was a perfect example of the joys of loving in a moment.
Q: Ira, right now the Heat are barely in the top six and they have a really tough stretch of games coming up – the Cavaliers, then two against the Knicks then the Bulls, Warriors, Sixers, Bucks, Pistons, and Clippers. They will probably be underdogs in most, if not all of these games. What are your thoughts on their prospects on the near and long term future for the season? – Joel, Fort Lauderdale.
A: Consider that most said the same of these first 11 games, considering the competition and road-centric start – and they’re still above .500. So at this point, doubt at your own risk.