Q: Nick Richards overall to me, he’s looked like how a third-string center should look. He’s the best third center we’ve had in a long time. – S.H.
A: Actually, though, he’s the second-string center on the current depth chart. The reality is that the primary power rotation will involve the mix of Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. So, in that regard, a rotation role hardly would be guaranteed for Nick Richards. The greater issue is this: Nick’s contract becomes fully guaranteed on opening night. A year ago, in a similar contract situation, the Heat elected to waive Precious Achiuwa at the end of the camp. So the greater question might be whether Nick’s role in the rotation is more impactful than his role against the salary cap.
Q: Why would the team even consider trading Andrew Wiggins for a mercurial point guard? Andrew Wiggins is a solid player with defensive chops and good enough as a scoring wing. While Kyrie Irving does offer a bump in offense but is a defensive liability and you take the ball away from other playmakers. Let’s see how the current lineup plays, then we can talk Kyrie Irving. This is the same Dallas team who traded away their superstar for an aging Anthony Davis. – Rodney.
A: I wouldn’t consider such a parting with Andrew Wiggins, which sort of was the point of the column, that the Heat’s potential best bid, and likely only workable bid for Kyrie Irving, simply would come at too high of a cost. That’s not to say that Andrew Wiggins isn’t replaceable, only that he holds a particularly high value on this roster based on how this roster is constructed.
Q: We got a taste of what this looks like against Toronto and New Orleans. Will probably see them one more preseason game, or not, but yeah bring on the regular season. – Doug.
A: Wednesday night against the Nets at Kaseya Center certainly could be somewhat of a dress rehearsal, but still would not expect Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo or most of the primary rotation players to go deeper than the first half. There then will be a week until the Oct. 21 season opener, with the practice court likely to remain prioritized.