Q: Ira, time for you and your cronies to stop hope trafficking. The Heat were badly outclassed by Luka Doncic and the Lakers. Good teams don’t get punked by a team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. – Anderson.
A: It is difficult after this one to offer any sort of counterargument. For years, the Heat’s calling card was targeting an opposing star with a defensive game plan that would force somebody else to beat them, no example better than the Jeremy Lin game all those years ago. But in this one, Luka Doncic said I’ll take these points, get these 3-pointers, draw these fouls and make these assists – and it was as if the Heat could do nothing about it. Yes, the goal was to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with shooting. But defenseless shooting can’t be the answer. So Anthony Edwards has had his way against the Heat, Cooper Flagg has had his way against the Heat and now Luka. If you can’t at least contain stars to some degree, you can’t compete in the NBA.
Q: I usually have questions/comments about the Heat players and/or management, but today I want to ask about Jaime Jaquez Jr. I miss him. Watching him, he’s definitely improving his skill set. We could use him on this team. What’s the chance he can come back? And would he even want to? I’m keeping his jersey. Might even wear it to Vice Night. – Cheryl, Fort Lauderdale.
A: For all of the Bucks’ issues, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has played well in his Milwaukee debut. But by rule, the Heat cannot reacquire him this season unless he first is dealt to another team. And there could be a good chance he is dealt, based on his reasonable salary, his statistics and the fact the Bucks did not extend him by that October deadline. But a case also could be made that they have their new Jaime this season in Pelle Larsson.
Q: Ira, you’re not suggesting that the Heat are planning a Udonis Haslem statue are you? I think it’s borderline that his number was retired. I strongly believe you need to be a great player to have your number retired, not a cheerleader who averaged 12 games and 7 minutes per game his last eight years. – Roy, Miami.
A: Sometimes longevity and leadership create their own levels of respect and honor. So, yes, to outsiders, it might seem like quite the fuss for a player who waved more towels than shot or rebounded basketballs for the final third of his career. But Udonis Haslem also stood as a face of the franchise through three championship runs. So instead, perhaps it’s fairer to look at him as a 13-year franchise icon, which still is considerable successful longevity with a single team. As stated, a statue would feel like overkill. But something beyond the retirement of his number might still be in order. As for his number being retired, it falls in line with several teams honoring franchise icons for reasons beyond statistics, including Brad Davis (Mavericks), Tony Allen (Grizzlies), Jon McGlocklin (Bucks), Nick Collison (Thunder), Avery Johnson (Spurs) and Dave Twardzik, Larry Steele and Bobby Gross (Blazers).