Q: Felt like a one-man team – Giannis Antetokounmpo and average players at best. What happened to elite defense? Bam Adebayo is extremely overrated. – Juan.
A: From the get-go, the question was whether building around the interior was asking too much in today’s perimeter-oriented NBA. So the opener wasn’t about what Bam Adebayo is or isn’t. It was about finding a way to make this roster work, or finding a way to a roster that works. Bam is not an average player. He is above that. But is he the perfect complement to Giannis Antetokounmpo? That’s what we have to find out and what Erik Spoelstra has to figure out. Remember, Spoelstra went through an either-or season with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James before figuring that out. The question is whether time can be on his side.
Q: Ira, do you think having Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami would expose Bam Adebayo’s limitations as a max-contract player? And if so, would the Heat be better served trading Bam for pieces that complement Giannis and create a more balanced roster? – Brian.
A: First, among the reasons Giannis Antetokounmpo made it known he would be amenable to an extension, and therefore a trade to the Heat, was because of the opportunity to play alongside Bam Adebayo. So there’s that. Look, this was one game, albeit one ugly game. This is why you have a coaching staff, an elite one at that. But, yes, it is not easy winning in this league without elite perimeter talent. The Heat exited the offseason and preseason convinced they could do it. Now they have to show as much.
Q: Ira, the Mavericks got Walter Clayton Jr. on a two-way and we still have Vlad Goldin? – Steve.
A: Except it’s not that simple, with Walter Clayton Jr. positioned after clearing waivers to sign with the team of his choice. With the Mavericks, there is a coach, in Dusty May, who at one time recruited him collegiately, and a team willing to grow with their young players. For the Heat, the question wasn’t as much Vlad Goldin or Walter, but rather Walter or Tre Donaldson, which still would leave the Heat with one guard, one forward and one center on two-way deals. At this point, a case could be made the Heat view Donaldson as a better fit with this roster.