Q: Nikola Jovic is not a center he can not play the five. He is a liability down low. Coach has to stop that experiment. – Neal, Miami Beach.
A: This issue isn’t as much whether Nikola Jovic is a center or not, the question is whether the Heat can afford to have lineups where Nikola is the lone big man. As Nikola has pointed out, the Heat mostly switch everything defensively. And with the fast-paced offense, it’s hardly as if there are positions in that regard, either. But what has hurt is not having another big body alongside Niko. The greater truth is Jovic as a lineup’s sole big body is asking for rebounding and post-defense trouble.
Q: I hope Erik Spoelstra and staff have come up with a miracle plan for dealing with Karl-Anthony Towns. – Bump.
A: At the moment such a singular stopper does not exist because of the composition of this Heat roster. So it again could be a pick-your-poison night between focusing on Karl-Anthony Towns and hoping for the best with New York’s 3-point shooters, or letting Towns get his and keeping the rest of the New York roster in check, a roster that will be without Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. While there might not be such a thing as a must-win November game in the NBA, it would be a lot more comfortable going into Wednesday night’s game against Jimmy Butler at the Warriors with a winning record.
Q: I agree, play it safe. That’s the best direction. Bam Adebayo, I’d love to get back soon, but I’d rather him take the time needed than re-injure it. – Niles.
A: Better to have Bam Adebayo back up to speed when Tyler Herro returns than to continue these waiting games. So, yes, missing 6 3/4 games with a toe sprain is unfortunate, but with the Heat’s fast-paced offense and Bam required to move in so many directions defensively, there is something to be said for prudence.