Q: It is the organization’s responsibility to put players in the best position to be successful. I realize these are your opinions and possibly not Erik Spoelstra’s opinions. That said, Nikola Jovic is a playmaking small forward. He should not be forced to play in the power rotation because the organization has failed to provide enough quality bodies in the power rotation. If he is forced to play the four, I hope he gets traded somewhere where he will get the chance to flourish. I was at opening-night black-tie for the Heat and a Heat lifer but vehemently disagree with how he’s been used to this point and the thought moving forward, He is a playmaker on a team that is desperate for playmakers. He is still very young, and in my opinion has the highest ceiling on this roster. Unlike Tyler Herro, he can defend at the end of games and unlike Bam Adebayo he can create in the fourth quarter. He should be prioritized. Thoughts? Brian. – Boca Raton.
A: First, Erik Spoelstra has addressed none of this, nor, in his position-less world is he likely to. Second, it remains highly likely that even if it appears Nikola Jovic is cast as power forward because of his size and defensive assignment, he still will be doing many of the playmaking and creation things you cite. Instead, think of it this way: The Heat often will be playing with dual small forwards, with Nikola one of them. So think of it as either Bam Adebayo or Kel’el Ware at center, and then oodles of wings.
Q: Enough with Terry Rozier. Leave him in peace. – Cyril.
A: Agreed, especially because there have been no charges or anything close related to Terry Rozier in the federal gambling investigation. But it still was a bit more than curious that the Hornets had scheduled their Sports Betting promotion during one of the two visits this season by Terry and the Heat. Now that no longer is the case.
Q: Good to see Tyler Herro back. – Nate.
A: It’s not as if Tyler Herro went anywhere. Just because a team’s social-media staff shows a player back in the gym doesn’t mean said player hasn’t been in plenty of gyms. This tends to be when players return to team facilities ahead of camp. But there also are plenty of players who continue work on their own well before such returns to base camp, as there are others who prefer to arrive later, because of family and other reasons.