Q: Nick Richards overall to me, he\u2019s looked like how a third-string center should look. He\u2019s the best third center we\u2019ve had in a long time. \u2013 S.H.<\/p>\n
A: Actually, though, he\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s role in the rotation is more impactful than his role against the salary cap.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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. \u2013 Rodney.<\/p>\n
A: I wouldn\u2019t consider such a parting with Andrew Wiggins, which sort of was the point of the column<\/a>, that the Heat\u2019s potential best bid, and likely only workable bid for Kyrie Irving, simply would come at too high of a cost. That\u2019s not to say that Andrew Wiggins isn\u2019t replaceable, only that he holds a particularly high value on this roster based on how this roster is constructed.<\/p>\n