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July 28, 2017
Q: How do you feel that multiple writers and analysts think we have some of the worst deals in the NBA? It's not like a general manager won't care about the deal these guys are on when it comes to trades. -- Nico, Charlotte.
A: Even as one myself, who cares about what writers or analysts think? For that matter, at this stage, who cares about what opposing general managers think (or even owners like Dan Gilbert)? When building a team, you sign players based on the need and style of your team. In signing Kelly Olynyk and in re-signing Dion Waiters and James Johnson, the Heat were piecing together a complex puzzle of interconnecting pieces. For this team, they fit. Clearly, Johnson did not fit on some of his other teams, and that certainly was the case at times with Waiters. Even though it was an interesting comment, I almost would have preferred if Pat Riley did not mention that he also had collected assets that could potentially be put into play at a later date. Everything the Heat did this offseason was done in mind with getting back into the playoffs. And then potentially coalescing into something better. Yes, at his price, James Johnson might have been onerous for another team. Ditto with Dion. But that could have been said about a lot of Heat players over the years, where their only true fit and value was with the Heat.
Q: I am happy for Udonis Haslem for extending his playing career. But let's be honest, it's a waste of a roster spot. -- Hanuck.
A: That comes down to whether the Heat get into a situation where a more athletic player comes to be needed in the power rotation, perhaps due to injury. For now, the minutes there are going to Hassan Whiteside, Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk, and possibly James Johnson or even Justise Winslow, as well. It is among the reasons why Willie Reed felt that at an equivalent contract he would be better off elsewhere. It will be interesting to see what happens the first time Whiteside has to miss a game and the impact on the power rotation. I would doubt, as he had the opportunity several times last season, that Haslem would be selected as the replacement starter.
Q: Despite not having a superstar free-agent signing or trade acquisition this season, will teams in the NBA underestimate the Miami Heat's ability to play diverse lineups? -- Stuart.
A: Don't confuse diversity with talent. The Heat will win because of what Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and the supporting cast can provide. For the Heat to make it to a No. 4 or No. 5 seed, it likely will be with one of their players emerging as an All-Star, from a roster that currently features none. Stars win in the NBA. You either sign, trade for or cultivate one of them. Now we'll get to see what might take root for the Heat.
July 27, 2017
Q: Is it true that ESPN predicted that the Heat will land Kyrie? -- Luis.
A: No, and sort of yes. As often is the case in this world of immediate and endless commentary with evolving stories, ESPN polled their various personalities for opinions on what might come next. One of the questions posed to their panel was, "Where will Kyrie Irving play in 2017-18?" Among the responses was this from the network's Ramona Shelburne, "Miami. The team that gets Kyrie is going to have to be OK with giving up a lot of young assets for a player who could leave in two years. So the four teams on his list have an advantage in knowing he'd be likely to stay there beyond his current contract. Minnesota can probably offer the most, but it's hard to see the Wolves parting with Andrew Wiggins, given coach Tom Thibodeau's valuation of defense. The Heat are dying for a young star, and Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg are both creative and bold enough to find a way to get this deal done. I think the Cavs will be worse after dealing Irving, because right now there's no real leverage for Cleveland to push for multiple picks or young players." Then on ESPN's "The Jump," the panel was asked to offer their best trade options with Kyrie, with Frank Isola offering up a Heat deal of Goran Dragic, Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo (who cannot be dealt until Aug. 1, one month after signing his rookie contract). So, yes, ESPN did predict the Heat will land Kyrie. Some of ESPN. But many more members of the network predict a different landing spot.
Q: It seems that both Derrick Walton Jr. and Matt Williams can shoot 3. But we have had too many guards, which means they won't get too many minutes. Is it an omen of a trade? -- Yuchen, China.
A: No, it is a team recognizing that you can never have too much shooting in today's NBA, especially inexpensive shooting. So while there currently is a backcourt glut, with Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Wayne Ellington and Rodney McGruder, you never know what the future will hold. Keep in mind that Richardson is eligible for an extension this summer, and that Ellington only has one more season on his contract. When it comes to the final spots on your roster, it is best to develop the best possible prospects, regardless of position. And then if a trade does come along, you have pieces potentially to plug in place.
Q: There goes another option at small forward/wing off the board for the Heat with Arron Afflalo going to the Magic. -- Ramon.
A: Got to admit, the Magic got quite the bargain there. Considering the Heat's lack of depth at small forward, I thought that would have been a terrific option in terms of depth, especially if the Heat were to move on from Justise Winslow in a deal. I was very surprised to see how low the price went, which probably says something about the league's current valuation of Arron.
July 26, 2017
Q: I find it hilarious that so many sports writers are saying that Pat Riley has lost his touch. Pat was a winner (loyal team player) in high school, in college, and in the NBA. He was a champion in the NBA as a player, as an assistant coach, as a coach, and as an executive. He's losing his touch some say because LeBron James left, Dwyane Wade left, because Kevin Durant didn't come, and most recently Gordon Hayward didn't come. But this man has knowledge and wisdom unparalleled in 2017. I think that Pat knew who could be the most help to our team. But sly as he is, here's what I think he did: Knowing that Hayward was going to be sought after, and knowing that Boston would give the farm to sign him, he got a meeting before Boston. And then maybe he said, "I've got $40 million for you, Dion Waiters, and James Johnson. Add Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside and we can compete." But that would mean Gordon would have to take less than max, knowing that Boston would offer the max. He also knew that to fit into the cap, Danny Ainge would have to shed players. Avery Bradley, Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko, and Kelly Olynyk plus were lost. Then Pat swoops in to sign the guy he wanted all along, Olynyk, for 40 percent of Hayward's contract. That allowed him to sign Dion, J.J., and keep Wayne Ellington. Now comes the Kyrie Irving saga. People want him to give Goran, Justice Winslow and more for Kyrie. He's good but Pat is too smart. Kyrie has an ego. LeBron, D-Wade etc., etc. don't have team loyalty. Their loyalty is to their egos (not always, but recently). Riley is a genius. Instead of buying stars, you find loyal team members and make them stars. They will not desert the team for their egos or money. See Udonis Haslem. -- Dave, Naples.
A: But Pat Riley also knows that stars win championships, which is why he went after Shaquille O'Neal (and his considerable ego) and then LeBron and Chris Bosh. It's also why he risked the appearance of failure with Durant and Hayward, and why I believe he would present an offer for Kyrie, if he already hasn't. To me, that trumps any psychoanalysis. Here's the deal: It used to be that teams contacted agents for any and every free agent, with few of those overtures going public. Otherwise, there would have been many, many more executives deemed to have failed over the years. Now, free agency is a spectator sport, essentially with its own built-in press box. You probably could say it goes back to when David Falk summoned suitors for Juwan Howard during Riley's first offseason with the Heat. And it only has grown from there. What I believe is most important is to consider this: Had Riley's overtures with Durant, Hayward and others -- a list possibly to include Irving -- not gone public, and therefore the negative results not been monitored, would there be frustration over the way he has built the Heat in recent years? Now, in some cases, I believe there could be valid criticism, ironically not over Josh McRoberts, who was coming off an intriguing season with Charlotte, but possibly with the reach for Danny Granger. Perhaps Olynyk is next up for inspection. But Luol Deng proved to be a quality stopgap. The maximum contract with Bosh would have been a value contract is not for a terrible twist of health. Dragic certainly has performed up to his contract. And it seems the same with Whiteside. This has not been a case of cap space squandered, merely opportunity -- very public opportunity -- lost.
Q: So we've seen four (I'm counting Chris Paul getting moved as a trade even though he would have just left as a free agent anyway) Top 15 players traded in under a month and Miami hasn't been involved at all in any of them, plus Blake Griffin and Gordon Hayward free agency going by with Miami getting stiff armed from getting both of them. Sure the "disgruntled star players" keep coming, and that's important. But what's more important is Miami has missed on every single star they've tried to acquire since Chris Bosh resigned. Why does it matter that players are impressed by what we're doing here if they don't actually want to come here? -- Nico, Charlotte.
A: Because so much of what transpired in those trades involved assets that the Heat lacked due to the situation with Bosh. Not only have the Heat lacked an active, star-level player on their roster these past three seasons, they have lacked the opportunity to build up assets to put into trades because of that situation. Now, for the first time in years, there are the types of contracts -- starting Dec. 15, and including those already on the books -- that can help facilitate trades going forward. Beyond that, the Heat team that Durant, Hayward, or even Griffin, were looking at was one that had been caught in an unfortunate limbo because of the Bosh situation. It was devastating for Chris, but also impactful to the Heat. What became lost in the Heat's remarkable rise to 41-41 last season was that the Heat did it with nearly one-third of their salary-cap unable to contribute, with Bosh out for the entire season. Has Pat Riley lost his touch? I look at it as he lost an incredible significant asset (and human being) for nearly three seasons. Now that cloud has lifted. Now is when such assessments become reasonable going forward.
Q: Has anyone asked a Michael Beasley question yet today? -- Nick.
A: Of course they have. Which is why when this is all done, I'm pretty sure the autobiography will be, "Ask Ira . . . About Michael Beasley."
July 25, 2017
Q: Let this roster play until Dec 15. If they, beyond Ira Winderman's and all other pundits' expectations and predictions, overachieve again, then no breakups or trades happen. If they flop, then trade away. -- Jose, Miami.
A: But that is not how the trade market works. The trade market does not wait for you. You have to act (or at least consider acting) when opportunity presents itself. Typically that is at the trading deadline, when you have had half a season to assess, or at the draft/start of free agency, when there is time to repackage without impacting the on-court product. With the Kyrie Irving situation, that dynamic has changed, presenting hurdles for both the Cavaliers and intrigued suitors. The entire face of the NBA offseason likely would have changed had Kyrie been this available at the draft or around July 1. Instead most teams are 90 percent (or more) into their 2017-18 roster construction. But what you cannot do is simply turn a blind eye because opportunity is not occurring on your timetable. This isn't just about the Heat. This is about 29 other general managers having to consider the possibilities for their teams. And for all the speculation about what the Heat might/could/should do, it's not as if the Heat have come out and said they are planning to do anything. In the end, the Heat very much could be on the same page as you. The amount of roster turnover clearly impacted the Heat's sordid start to 2016-17. It could be argued a massive move at this stage could leave them again staggered at the start.
Q: Is there any chance the Cavaliers would entertain a Hassan Whiteside deal? Maybe Whiteside and Tyler Johnson for Kyrie Irving, with Tristan Thompson coming to the Heat or going to a third team. -- Rashad.
A: I have never gotten the sense from the Heat that Hassan is viewed as untouchable. But I also cannot recall a tangible rumor of him being offered up, either. I just think with what the Cavaliers have, with the style they play, that Whiteside would not be a priority. For their style, unless they move to an outside-shooting center, then Tristan Thompson, with his single-minded robo-rebounding, might be the best fit. If Irving is moved, I believe it would be with a replacement scorer in mind. Unless, of course, they believe that Derrick Rose is that player.
Q: Ira, is Kyrie Irving the key we would need to entice Michael Beasley to come back? I think they would play well together in today's shoot-first NBA. -- Erik, Plantation.
A: Hey, it's the summer and I'm the one who gets to pick the questions. I guess if the Cavaliers can get Rose, then it would only be fitting for the Heat to get the No. 2 pick in the Rose draft back. But believe me, there would be no need to entice. An offer would lead to a signature. And I highly, highly, highly doubt that would happen.
July 24, 2017
Q: Kyrie Irving, the shoot-first point guard, is not someone I would trade Goran Dragic for, at least not on this Heat team. I realize how good he is, believe me, but I don't believe his style fits with Hassan Whiteside and Dion Waiters. -- Gabriel.
A: The problem is getting too caught up with what happened over the second half of last season, as impressive as 30-11 stood. What has defined Erik Spoelstra's ascension up the coaching hierarchy has been his ability to take stock of what he has, then design a system to maximize those pieces, including the changes he made over the course of last season. So whether the Heat make a major move this offseason or not, there will be changes in the Heat approach, because there have been changes to the roster. When you get too caught up in the system, you wind up like the New York Knicks trying to make the triangle work under Phil Jackson no matter the personnel. Yes, Goran Dragic fit wonderfully with the Heat system over the second half of last season. But that doesn't mean that Spoelstra doesn't have another system in him. He is far too young to become set in his ways.
Q: What are the chances we make a move for Kyrie? We don't have many assets to trade, but can you see Pat Riley trying to find a way to make a move for Kyrie? -- Daniel, Miami.
A: I am sure that the Heat front office has been studying possible permutations for days. The problem is the timing of the trade revelation, after so much work had been completed throughout the league in free agency. To refresh, players signed in the offseason cannot be dealt until Dec. 15, at the earliest. So it's not only the Heat who stand hamstrung by limits to their permutations, but the entire league. That could also benefit the Heat, with other teams also having to come up with creative proposals.
Q: Obviously after Kyrie's announcement, and with the Miami Heat being mentioned as a preferred destination, how may this affect our team in the upcoming season? We just spent some considerable money in keeping the band together, and now there a chance that we may give up some pieces to acquire Kyrie. -- Nelson, Jacksonville.
A: You can never stop evolving until you are a champion. And even then, you have to continue to reinvent yourself in order to endure (as the Heat did with their acquisitions along the way during the Big Three era). If you believe a player makes your team better, then you study how to add that player without weakening your overall mix, sort of as the Celtics did by adding Gordon Hayward at the cost of Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko.
July 23, 2017
Q: The timing of Kyrie Irving's trade request certainly doesn't come at an optimal time for us with our newly signed players not being eligible to be traded until Dec. 15. I expect the Cavaliers to move him, though, before the season begins because it's just a bad situation. How can LeBron James and Kyrie continue to play with each at this point? You could make the argument that Kyrie has felt this way for a while and they've made it work, but everything changes once it's made public. The Heat don't really have the chips right now. A deal should obviously begin with Goran Dragic and I think the Cavs should want him. Irving and Dragic are similar players in what they do. Tyler Johnson could be their scoring punch off the bench that they need. Dragic and Tyler Johnson for Kyrie might get you hung up on, but it all depends on how the Cavs view those players. Maybe they love Goran Dragic just as Kevin Prichard loved Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. We have to keep Winslow because we don 't have a small forward. We don't really have the sweeteners to get it done. -- Michael.
A: I believe the Pacers deal is a reasonable analogy. But we also now have to find out what the new management team in Cleveland prefers. In other words, the Pacers might not have made the George deal with the Thunder under Larry Bird. But Kevin Pritchard clearly felt comfortable enough in taking back Oladipo and Sabonis. As for your concerns about including Winslow, it reminds me of when some had reservations about the Heat including Caron Butler in the Shaquille O'Neal trade in 2004. There were several similarities between what the Heat had then in Butler and now in Winslow. But Pat Riley has often spoken of giving "a nickel more" when it comes to making a deal you want to close. In this case, he again could be tempted to include "a nickel more" in the form of Winslow. (But, again, to those who point out how often Winslow is mentioned in this space, it is not a sign of disrespect, but rather quite the opposite. I believe Justise very much has value in this league, a lot of value, be it to the Heat or a potential suitor.)
Q: If we somehow got Kyrie Irving, do you see him and Dion Waiters working? I think there was history with them in Cleveland, something about Waiters saying he felt he was better than Kyrie and he felt they were favoring Kyrie? Do you see them working well together? -- Sebastian, Lake Worth.
A: The two certainly did not mesh in Cleveland. And we're all probably getting ahead of ourselves at this point. But this is just another case where the timing could be all wrong. Had the Irving trade request been made in advance of the start of free agency, and if the Heat knew they had favored status, I am sure there would have been an alternate approach to their spending, just as there was a pullback with Willie Reed after drafting Bam Adebayo and then signing Kelly Olynyk. I'm not saying that Dion wouldn't have been signed back, but there would have been an additional element to the equation.
Q: Here's a scenario: Goran Dragic/Hassan Whiteside for Kyrie Irving/Tristan Thompson/Channing Frye. We would have our bona fide star to build around. We could hold on to Tristan until Bam Adebayo is ready. We could use Frye's expiring and some combination of Dion Waiters/Kelly Olynyk/James Johnson to fetch another star that becomes available later on. This would allow us to keep Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow and Bam, and allow them to grow around stars. Plausible? -- Alec.
A: So you're basically talking about giving up the Heat's leading men for the Cavaliers' supporting cast behind LeBron James? That is where I believe the Heat might draw the line. And, again, this whole thing came to light so recently that there is no read yet on how much reciprocal interest there would be from the Heat, even with Kyrie's interest. Yet, if you're asking me if the Heat believe that Hassan is an untouchable franchise building block, I'm not sure I would be willing to go there at the moment.
July 22, 2017
Q: Just because a player wants to be traded, I think it's rare for a star to be, especially when he has three years left on a bargain contract. And unless he has a no-trade clause, his demand to location is meaningless. -- Martin.
A: The revelations of Kyrie Irving demanding a trade and having the Heat on his list of preferred destinations is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, to even have the opportunity to bid for someone of Irving's talents is something that cannot be ignored. On the other hand, it does leave the Heat open again to a sense of opportunity lost, after failing to beat similar longshot odds for Gordon Hayward. This, however, is not like those free-agency pushes for Kevin Durant or Hayward. In those cases, you only had to appease the player. In this case, you need to be able to close a deal with attractive assets. The Heat had the cap space for Hayward, but may not have the assets to get into this bidding -- if that turns out to be the case. Still, in the wake of Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Chris Paul being dealt, I wouldn't ignore any possibility. And with Irving having the right to opt out after two more years, he still could have some destination leverage.
Q: Bring this man to The Culture! -- B.J.
A: And that's the thing, by having the Heat, Spurs and even Tom Thibodeau's Timberwolves on his wish list, Irving showed that culture still matters to players. It got the Heat in the room with Durant and Hayward. It got LeBron James in a reflective mood recently on Instagram. And it had Willie Reed forlorn to no longer be a part of it. Most of all, it shows that Pat Riley still carries plenty of sway, and that Erik Spoelstra is emerging in a similar vein.
Q: Dan Gilbert hates Miami. Don't see a trade happening. If so: Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow now or Dragic and Bam Adebayo on Aug 2, when Bam becomes trade eligible. Otherwise close door and walk away. The Heat are good to go as is. -- Skip, Tampa.
A: I doubt either of those two-player packages gets you in the door, and it could require the Heat to find a third team to obtain a first-round pick to sweeten the pot. But this reminds me of the Shaquille O'Neal trade, when Riley cobbled together what was needed, when it was needed. As for Gilbert's history with the Heat, this is when we will see if his management team truly has free reign in making the best possible basketball deals.
July 21, 2017
Q: As a diehard Heat fan, I want to see Dwyane Wade end his career back home in Miami. Since Tyler Johnson's contract will balloon, is there a mechanism in the NBA for Chicago to partially buy out Wade's contract while trading him for some package including Tyler Johnson? That would give Chicago a high-upside young prospect (and help our cap position next year and help us re-sign Josh Richardson). I love T.J.'s game, but we are already deep at guard and he's not yet point-guard material, which is what we all hoped. Thoughts? -- Mark, Chicago.
A: I've been asked a bunch about dealing Tyler for Dwyane, if only for the cap relief. The irony is that if Tyler was into the big-money final two years of his deal, then the dollars would work in a trade for Dwyane's expiring contract. The problem now is that Tyler goes out at such a low number that it does not offset Dwyane's $23.8 million for 2017-18, with the Heat lacking the space to make up the difference. And it's not as if the Heat are positioned to add bigger-money assets into such a deal (remember, players signed in the offseason cannot be dealt until Dec. 15, at the earliest). On the face of it, it might have made sense to deal away the end of Tyler's contract in such a move, with Dwyane's deal expiring, likely to then be replaced at a far lower number going forward. But, no, you cannot buy out a player and then still use him as a trade asset. Once a player is bought out, he goes to waivers and then becomes a free agent. And, yet, I don't think the Dwyane drama is by any means over.
Q: "We go hard"? Yet you bench your starters last game of the season? -- Matteo.
A: For those late to this game, "We Go Hard" is the motto of the Brooklyn Nets, the team that decided not to go at all in their season finale against the Bulls this past season, a victory that left Chicago with the playoff tiebreaker, after the Heat and Bulls both finished 41-41 in a tie for the No. 8 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. The reasoning then was not to get players injured in case something was in the works over the short term. As it was, two months later the Nets did trade center Brook Lopez (who sat out that night in Chicago) to the Lakers for D'Angelo Russell at the start of their rebuilding process. So you could actually make an argument for the approach, at least in hindsight. But, yes, the marketing pitch should ring a bit hollow in South Florida. Still, they probably weren't going to go with the alternative of "We Got the Bulls into the Playoffs," so you take what you can get.
Q: Last year Erik Spoelstra coaxed major growth out of every player on the roster. Can he do it again with the same group? Most pundits seem to think we have seen the best they've got, that they may even regress to the mean. -- Jack, Fort Myers.
A: I agree that making a second quantum leap is something that is particularly difficult for most players considered candidates for Most Improved Player, as some thought James Johnson and Dion Waiters were last season. But keep in mind that the Heat did not pay either, or any of their signed free agents, with star salaries, but rather at the tier just below (which says something about how out of whack the entire contract structure has grown). But here's what matters as well: Johnson and Waiters insist that they have more to show, room for growth and are receptive to instruction. That is an essential if additional steps are to follow. Often the group of players who have stopped growing after making strides with the Heat have been those who signed elsewhere in free agency. The Heat's motto last season was "one percent better," that the growth can be incremental, but also continuous. One percent on a steady basis by even a small group of returning players could make a major difference the second time around.
July 20, 2017
Q: During Miami Heat summer league games, Bam Adebayo was visibly directing players on sets. It was very impressive that he is vocal at such a young age and I'm assuming he must have a strong basketball IQ to be directing his teammates' movement on sets. What are your thoughts on Adebayo's intangible assets? -- Kevin, Coconut Creek.
A: My thoughts are the Heat must have definitive rotation expectations with Bam for this coming season considering the way things played out with Willie Reed. Unless the Heat believe that Bam can play backup-center minutes behind Hassan Whiteside or even start if Hassan is sidelined, then it seems the Heat had available the perfect option in Reed. Yet it appears that even at the same salary he accepted with the Clippers, that Reed did not anticipate minutes being available from the Heat. And this is not about A.J. Hammons, who, by no means, has a guaranteed spot with the Heat. So Bam or bust? Without Willie Reed, and with what remains of the power rotation, it sure seems like it is setting up that way.
Q: Ira, can you see Erik Spoelstra making Justise Winslow into a backup point guard? Justise was ranked highly as a distributor and made a lot of advanced reads in the pick-and-roll, throwing skip passes to the corner, lob passes to the roller, and dimes to cutters. Come to think of it, Winslow was always a great playmaker, and if he had the ball in his hands more he could become more of an on-ball threat and find himself more as a player with Miami's new three-and-spacing style of play. -- Darryl, Fitzgerald, Ga.
A: As Pat Riley said, position-less means still having the defensive end covered. So it comes down to whether, on a consistent basis, Justise would be able to keep up with fleet point guards defensively. I agree that his playmaking skills often get overshadowed by his lack of shooting -- which still matters very much in the pick-and-roll game. Actually, that could be a good reason to have him and James Johnson on different units, to have a ballhandling forward with both the first and second teams. Of course, there also have to be accommodations to the need for Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters to have the ball in their hands.
Q: If Pat Riley is saying it can get a little tedious watching a team jack up 60 threes, and you have commentators announcing how layups on fast breaks are passed up for 3-point shots, isn't it time for the NBA to look at this? The 3-point shot was never put in place to dominate the game (it was to keep the games interesting or closer at the end), but it now dominates the game because of probability and expectation theory. -- Stuart.
A: But the ship has sailed, with teams structuring their payrolls to accommodate 3-point shooters. Wayne Ellington, for example, would not be a $6.3 million player for the Heat if the 3-pointer wasn't such a huge part of the Heat's and the NBA's approach. Even in summer league, it became clear that the Heat offense has come to revolve around the long ball. My suggestion, as extreme as it sounds, would be to put a limit on 3-point attempts per team per game. After that limit is reached -- say 20 such shots -- then any shot attempted would count two points, no matter the distance. That, in turn, could have teams saving those attempts for later in games to facilitate comebacks. With teams maintaining the threat of the three (as long as their allotment is not exceeded), it still would allow for needed spacing. And I would not count against that total any attempts in the final three seconds of a period when it comes to clock-beating heaves (those can be some of the most entertaining shots of the game, which I also would not count again a player's field-goal percentage). Also, that is not happening. The international game long has been about the long ball, with such shots opening the game to those beyond the tallest of prospects.
July 19, 2017
Q: Josh Richardson: four-year, $42 million contract extension in August or making him a restricted free agent next summer? He showed great promise before injury and was coming back to form at end of the season. Which is the best route for the Heat at this point? -- Skip, Tampa.
A: First, with the way contracts are going these days, the Heat might be left with no choice but to wait, with Richardson likely to find more on next summer's free-agent market, just like Tyler Johnson did on the 2016 free-agent market. That also will allow the Heat to get a read on where they are going with their backcourt when it comes to Richardson, Tyler Johnson and even Rodney McGruder. If one of those three can emerge as a point guard, it could be easier to make the math work, especially for when Goran Dragic plays out his current contract. But with so many unknowns about the current backcourt, including whether Wayne Ellington's early-Bird Rights will be utilized next summer, it might behoove the Heat as much to wait as it would Richardson.
Q: Imagine Justise Winslow and James Johnson leading the break off rebounds and steals. -- Ryan, Denver.
A: But first you have to get those rebounds and steals, especially the rebounds. And we still have to get a better read on whether Winslow can finish and finish strong, in traffic. And that could be an issue for the Heat, finding more than just Goran Dragic as a definitive finisher (it seems like he finishes practically everything). Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson have shown signs of that ability, as well. Still, it's almost as if the Heat have been better at times in running to 3-pointers, which is not the preferred way for a transition team to survive.
Q: The Heat need a solid backup point guard. What are your thoughts on a younger guard like Trey Burke or Tyler Ennis? Do you think Miami will go more towards the veteran-style player? Obviously, the player would need to agree to veteran minimum or mid-level. -- Anthony, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
A: I don't believe the Heat need to move toward a developmental point guard, because I don't know if there would be much of an opportunity to develop one with so many guards on the roster. I believe the Heat need a savvy veteran playmaker who would not take issue to being inactive for extended periods and then be willing to be summoned into service on short notice were Goran Dragic to be sidelined. That certainly was not the definition of Rajon Rondo, who wants to play to earn his next deal. And I'm not certain that Brandon Jennings is ready for such a limited role, either.
July 18, 2017
Q: What's the situation with Dwayne Wade? Any chance at a Heat reunion? -- C.J.
A: The situation with Dwyane is static, only because that's where most of the league stands these days. With offseason rosters at a maximum of 20 players, there is plenty of room and time for teams to sift through options before the start of the regular season. For now, the Bulls are saying all the right things when it comes to their guaranteed $23.8 million investment in Dwyane -- that he can help alleviate some of the scoring load as he also mentors Chicago's younger players. But not every player, especially one who remains highly productive, can shift into such standing. It certainly became problematic for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. What most likely will happen as we approach the start of training camp is that the Bulls will consider how much value Wade has as a player and a as a contract (possibly to be included in a trade). Then it could come down to how much of that contract the Bulls would be willing to eat in a buyout, or how much of a discount Wade might offer in order to relocate. All of that said, Dwyane has also spoken of how location also is a family function, and such deliberations likely will carry into his children's school calendar.
Q: Am I the only one who is disappointed that the Heat did not use their two best players vs. Memphis in the playoff loss in Las Vegas? Winning would have kept the team playing, giving those players more opportunity to show the world what they could do and given the fan base who have been through some tough years since the Big 3 something positive to cheer for. Summer league has grown in popularity and the Heat unfortunately dropped the ball. Okaro White and Bam Adebayo should have played, even if it was limited minutes. Heat fans deserved it. -- Peter, Miami.
A: What the Heat needed to see during summer league most was what they had with Bam Adebayo and Okaro White, and they saw plenty of it over two summer leagues, able to space out the games so as to not wear down players during a recovery stage of the basketball calendar. While the Las Vegas summer league has become a made-for-TV showcase, it is not necessarily the best format for what teams are trying to achieve. It is why you saw so many teams pare down their rosters by the end of the week. I take no umbrage, nor should fans, to the Heat's approach.
Q: The only thing I can guarantee about Kelly Olynyk is that he'll set hard screens, rack up a handful of flagrant fouls and rock the man bun. -- Justin, Pa.
A: But then reflect back to this stage of the offseason a year ago. What were the expectations with James Johnson? And that's the thing, with these types of signings the Heat tend to have a vision in place for players before they are signed. What James Johnson was before he arrived to the Heat was something far different than what we saw this past season (including something far less when it came to weight and body fat). In this case, with Olynyk, and other acquisitions, it's not as much at the moment of what Olynyk can do for the Heat, but what the Heat can do for Olynyk.
July 17, 2017
Q: Hi, Ira, now that the Celtics have waived Jordan Mickey, can we sign him? -- Hunrey, Cebu, Philippines.
A: I'm addressing this not as much about Mickey, but rather the fluid nature of the free-agent list at this time of year, as teams clear players who either had impending guarantee dates or need to clear the necessary salary-cap space in order to complete signings of other free agents. What the Heat have to decide is how many, if any, of the 15 regular-season roster spots they have available, beyond the 20 allowed during the offseason. Based on guaranteed money or potential promise, the Heat appear set at with least 11 roster spots, when counting Hassan Whiteside, Bam Adebayo, James Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters, Goran Dragic, Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Wayne Ellington and Rodney McGruder. Then there is the $1.3 million full guarantee to A.J. Hammons and the partial guarantee in place to Okaro White. Of those two, I'm not sure how enduring the commitment is to Hammons, based on uneven summer play. But that, otherwise, would have the roster with 13 players with salary due. Factor in Udonis Haslem, and that places the regular-season total at 14. So unless something dramatically changes to thin the roster, it is possible the Heat go into camp with only one regular-season roster spot open. As it is, the Heat still have their $4.3 million mid-level exception available, potentially for a player who slips through the cracks. So, in a long-winded response to your brief question, I'm not sure the Heat spend much time scouring the secondary free-agent list at this stage.
Q: The Heat summer roster had only one good, NBA-quality player, Bam Adebayo. -- Leo.
A: I'm not sure I would give up on Okaro White at this stage, considering the developmental time the Heat have already put into that project. Otherwise, I certainly could see players from the summer group competing for two-way contracts, or at least spots in the G-League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. I would put it this way, if the Heat previously gave a roster spot to Andre Dawkins, then I certainly could see them at least considering Matt Williams. And Gian Clavell has some Tyler Johnson in him, as far as promise, with Tyler earning his way onto the Heat roster through time in the developmental league.
Q: Can the Heat put on a mini-camp together in August for deeper look at possible players for camp ? -- Skip, Tampa.
A: The Heat never stop such efforts, cycling through prospects right up until the start of training camp, and sometimes even beyond, as do most teams. So there will be plenty of times between now and the start of camp that you will see the names of veteran free agents linked to the Heat without reading about actual signings. Typically, those are the players who are signed last, sometimes as courtesies to give such players preseason exposure while limiting the wear on veterans during camp and exhibitions. This year, through, could be different, with fewer exhibitions and a shorter camp due to the earlier start of the regular season in mid-October.
July 16, 2017
Q: Who do you think is in the lead for the two-way contracts out of our summer league? -- Luis.
A: First, I'm not necessarily sure that the Heat's two-way contracts will come from the pool of players on their summer-league roster. Such decisions have to be weighed against the breadth of options exposed to the Heat, from those who played in summer league for other teams, perhaps to those who had tryouts with the Heat before the draft. In a way, it does seem unfair for a prospect to go through a summer camp and then two weeks of summer play with the Heat and be treated like an outsider, but this isn't about fairness, it's about maximizing the organizational talent pool. And even with the Heat's summer roster, the options for those two spots seemingly was a revolving door. Early on, there was the playmaking two-way promise of undrafted Virginia guard London Perrantes. Then undrafted Central Florida guard Matt Williams stepped up with his 3-point shooting. From there, there was 5-foot-8 Monmouth spitfire Justin Robinson and then the not-to-be-denied spirit of undrafted Colorado State guard Gian Clavell. But remember, the two-way contracts don't just have to be from this draft class. They also can be for young players who previously played overseas or in the D-League, perhaps someone like University of Miami product Trey McKinney-Jones. The good thing is that the Heat summer roster gave Pat Riley and the Heat front office food for thought, which is really all you can ask for.
Q: Wow, Ira, Donovan Mitchell has looked so good this summer. He has a game that resembles a young Dwyane Wade. A Mitchell-Heat marriage looked to be destined on draft night as the Nuggets had no reason to take him with their 13th pick, but the Jazz come out of nowhere and scoop him up. Do you think that there is any saltiness or even regret from the Heat that they didn't find a way to get him? I know that it is far too early to grade draft picks. Of course, Bam Adebayo has looked very talented and fits the culture, too, but Mitchell just seemed like the perfect fit. Every time I watch Donovan Mitchell, I might shed a tear at what could/should have been. -- Shaun.
A: He might be this year's version of Devin Booker to the Heat. The difference is that Booker was one that got away, with the Heat positioned to select him in 2015. The problem with Mitchell is that the Heat had precious few chips to put into play on draft night to even move up one spot. The Jazz threw Trey Lyles into the deal with Denver. I'm not sure the Heat would have been as willing with Justise Winslow just to swap picks.
Q: Can Rodney McGruder play point guard? -- Luchey.
A: Look, any player can play any position. It's just that it doesn't necessarily mean they can play it efficiently. The one thing about the Heat coaching staff is that the longer they have to work with a player, the more they have been able to draw out of them. But to me, point guard in an innate mindset. You either are or you aren't. That doesn't mean you can't advance the ball, run offense, beat pressure, it just means that at the moments you need to be at your creative best, there might not be a creative best. As we've seen in summer league, when you look at Lonzo Ball, you see a point guard, because of the way he sees the court. I'm not sure McGruder or any of the Heat's guards outside of Goran Dragic have that innate point-guard awareness.
July 15, 2017
Q: Mario Chalmers is healthy again. How about making him Goran Dragic's backup? Rio knows the system, can play one or two, is now more mature. He is a winner and champion and a decent scorer and great defender. -- Jocelyn, Miami.
A: I've been asked a lot about Chalmers recently, with the Heat likely not to go beyond the minimum if they do, indeed, add a veteran backup at point guard. First, you never know about where a player stands coming off a torn Achilles until you know. But it also has now been more than a year since Chalmers has been out. Still, he almost exclusively played as a combo point guard during his Heat tenure, whether it was alongside Dwyane Wade or LeBron James as the primary ballhandler. But with so much about Heat Family, and with so many players returning over the years, would this be any different than bringing back Bimbo Coles or Eddie House? At worst, perhaps there could be a camp invitation, if only to allow Chalmers to show other teams during the preseason that he is all the way back.
Q: Not sure if it was my imagination, but so the refs in summer league allow for more contact? This makes the game more enjoyable without stops every time there is slight contact. -- Rick, Miami.
A: Actually, there have been games where the whistles have been constant. Much of that was a factor of players allowed a maximum of 10 fouls until the tournament round in Las Vegas, which is an abundance when you consider the games are only 40 minutes. But as the weeks have gone on, I believe there is an appreciation that these are mostly raw players making raw plays, and that it is important to maintain a certain level of flow, especially with the games being televised.
Q: Excuse my bluntness, but what is everyone's fascination with Udonis Haslem? As a Heat season-ticket holder since 2000, I have enjoyed many seasons and have many fond memories of my favorite players through the years including U.D. But at this stage of his life/career, why do we continue to pay him a player's salary when he does not and will not play? Why not transition him to a mentor or coaching position so that he may continue to be a part of the team without taking a valuable spot on the 15-man roster? -- Chris, Coral Gables.
A: For the same reason that the Thunder just re-signed Nick Collison: Because sometimes the best way for a veteran to have an impact in the locker room is to be in the locker room. The Heat will be able to have 17 players under contract this season because of the new two-way contracts. If ever there was time for mentorship from within, this is it.
July 14, 2017
Q: Ira, Chris Quinn has taken an 0-5 team from the Orlando summer league and gotten them to 4-1 in Vegas. Is he the real gem of summer league? -- Phil.
A: It does seem like this is a continuation of the story of the Heat -- slow start, fast finish. Now, there's obviously no comparison between real games and what is going on in the "tournament" in Las Vegas, but you can't help but notice the similarities when the Heat move to a drive-and-kick game and start making 3-pointers. It was interesting how Pat Riley earlier this week spoke of 3-pointers, when he said, "Sometimes it can get a little bit tedious when you watch a team jack up 60 threes. I just shake my head. Some nights they are going to make 35 and 35 is like over 100 points. Some night, a team is going to get 200. It's probably going to be Houston or somebody like that. They're going to get 200 some night." And yet that essentially is who the Heat became at the end of this past season, what they have become in summer league (shooting 15 of 37 on threes in Thursday's Vegas victory over the Clippers), and what they might need to be this coming season. It is why it is not out of line to question whether the Heat can find minutes and make it work for wing players who don't have 3-point range. Anyway, I digress. What Quinn has shown is the commitment to the improvement of his players, which is why he also carries a developmental title. As with previous Heat summer-league coaches Dan Craig and Juwan Howard, he has shown the ability to manage a roster.
Q: Although other teams in the East have All-Star talent, The Heat have great depth. Is there a chance the Heat can be able to be dominant by wearing down other top-heavy teams? -- Alain.
A: During the regular season? Sure. But this still is a league about star talent in the playoffs. What the Heat have to do, as they attempt to build their team resume, is also define moments for individual growth, to see who the go-to player can be when the games mean the most. We know Dion Waiters wants to be that player, but it has to be more than one shot against the Warriors and a few more against the Nets.
Q: Can players under two-way contracts be offered guaranteed deals from outside teams? Are two-way players treated like restricted free agents in the sense that teams can match any outside offer? -- Gerry.
A: No, once a player signs a two-way contract, he is bound to that team for the balance of that contract. He cannot be poached, even if another team offers a full-scale NBA contract. It is why some players have been patient in the process, to not get themselves locked into a deal that maxes out at $275,000 per season, rather than the rookie minimum on an NBA contract of $816,000.
July 13, 2017
Q: I ask the same thing I've asked 10 times: What is going on with Udonis Haslem? -- J.R.
A: The reason I've stayed away from Haslem questions is because of the sense I've gotten from the team that an agreement to return is imminent, to the degree that these questions would be answered before I could get around to addressing them. Udonis Haslem will be offered a contract for a 15th season with the Heat. Pat Riley has already gone on record with that. But as long as the Heat hold their $4.3 million exception, there remains the chance of more than the $2.3 million veteran minimum Udonis is eligible for by virtue of being in the league 10 or more years. Then there is the question of whether the Heat believe they will or will not be operating with cap space next summer, which could factor into whether more than one season could be offered.
Q: Ira, could Beno Udrih be the solution to the Heat's point guard "issue" behind Goran Dragic? He played really well for them a couple of seasons ago and I watched him play really well in Detroit last year. I'm sure the veteran's minimum would be enough to bring him back. -- Gabriel, Miami.
A: That's why I floated that name Wednesday. There also is a chance that he returns to the Pistons, or that he even moves into coaching, of which he has expressed a desire. What the Heat need behind Goran is an open-in-case-of-emergency option to step in as a starter when needed (so as not to disrupt the rotation) or run offense when players such as Tyler Johnson or Josh Richardson struggle against pressure. It clearly would be a role that would include plenty of inactive games in a sports coat. The question is whether the Heat could afford a Haslem and a Udrih on the 15-man roster.
Q: I like the NBA's rules changes. The end of games can just drag on because of so many timeouts called by both teams if the game is close. -- Robert.
A: Totally agree, and that's the point that Adam Silver made in his media session after Wednesday's announcement of the reduction of timeouts. It's not so much about shortening games as it is about maintaining a game flow. Now the players play, have to play. There also will be an impact that will require an adjustment from veteran players; now when they get trapped or are unable to inbound, they can't simply burn a 20-second timeout. There are no 20-second timeouts anymore. And each emergency timeout could compromise a team at crunch time.
July 12, 2017
Q: I feel good about the Heat competing with the roster they put together. I also respect the view that we may be locked into contracts that will handcuff personnel moves for years and we do not have an elite star player. With the depth of talent the Heat have put together, I think there is a great opportunity to really beat up on other teams' second units. In addition, the Heat have the option to go 10 or 11 deep in a rotation on back-to-back nights especially against the lower-echelon teams. This would make for well rested and healthier players come playoff time. Do you think this could give the Heat an advantage that could allow them to finish higher in the regular season and go deeper in the playoffs? -- Gary, Boca Raton.
A: You could be on to something when it comes to the regular-season portion of the equation. When you so equally rely on so many players, an injury to a single player, or the need to give occasional rest to starters, can be easier to overcome. This very much could be a roster built for the regular season. But the playoffs always have been about stars, multiple stars, and that's where the Heat might not measure up. I could see the Heat having the type of regular season the Celtics did last season or the Hawks in 2014-15. What that translates into in the playoffs is another story. But in order for the depth to matter, Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson had to step up with their games, move past the injuries. To me, they are the swing votes in the referendum on this season.
Q: Ira, let's say Erik Spoelstra starts Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and James Johnson. How would it work having three primary ballhandlers in the same lineup? Tyler Johnson isn't a point guard, and if James Johnson were to come off the bench, he could become the primary ballhandler. -- Darryl, Fitzgerald, Ga.
A: First, the Heat can stagger the substitutions to still have two of those three on the court at just about all times. And don't forget how efficient Justise Winslow can be as a ballhandler and playmaker. Yes, it would instill confidence to see Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson step up their ballhandling and playmaking, but there are ample alternatives. When it comes to playmaking, I would put the Heat hierarchy at Dragic, James Johnson, Winslow and Waiters. So I don't believe it's a cause of concern if much of it is concentrated in the starting unit.
Q: Do you sense the Heat want to trade Tyler Johnson? -- Brian.
A: No, and I never have. Now, what they might want (or need) is to trade that contract. It is the structure of the contract and not the player that is the concern. I merely pointed out that he became trade-eligible on Monday because that marked the one-year anniversary of the Heat matching his offer sheet from the Nets. He now can be put into play. That doesn't mean he will.
July 11, 2017
Q: Do you think Pat Riley will use the exception money on a remaining free agent, or do you think he'll wait until players start to get bought out? It seems like the right move might be to wait, so that the right player can be signed in case of injury. -- Matt, Boynton Beach.
A: Riley often talks about waiting, keeping such flexibility in his back pocket, even going with an open roster spot to start seasons. And then, almost always, he winds up living in the moment. A year ago, he also said he would hold off on using his mid-level exception, and then Dion Waiters dropped to the Heat's price. I would expect the same this summer, that a player who falls below his expected threshold drops into the Heat's laps. I would be very surprised if the $4.3 million mid-level exception is not spent by early August. The Heat still have roster space and flexibility. Just about all of the Heat's moves this offseason have been about living in the moment. I would suspect that would continue with the exception.
Q: Now that the relationship between Chris Bosh and the Heat has mended. Do you believe he can come back and sort of mentor Bam Adebayo, maybe help him expand his game to the perimeter? -- Robert.
A: Based on Bam's skill set and athleticism, I believe that would be a perfect mentor, perhaps one who could work with him on the court, as, say, opposed to Alonzo Mourning, with that bit of generational differences. I think it would be wonderful to see Chris back on the Heat practice court. He has been away for too long, as it is. As long as it would be medically viable, Chris working with Bam could be win-win for all involved.
Q: I said before and I say it again, the kid Matt Williams could easily become a Stephen Curry 2.0 for the Heat. -- V.P.
A: Chris Quinn, who is coaching the Heat's summer-league team, had an interesting quote at the end of the Heat's camp leading to summer league, when he said the players who play early might not be the ones who play late in the process. That proved to be the case with Williams because of an ankle sprain in that camp. But since finding his legs at the end of the Orlando summer league, he has found his 3-point stroke as well. Now the undrafted guard out of Central Florida is doing it in Las Vegas from distance. I wouldn't go all the way to Steph Curry at this point, but shooters will always be valued in today's NBA. I recall the value the Heat placed on Duke shooting star Andre Dawkins a few years back and could see Williams translating summer league into something going forward from the Heat, perhaps a two-way contract.
July 10, 2017
Q: I still believe Miami had a greater need for a small forward than a power forward. Without Kelly Olynyk, the Heat had Bam Adebayo added to what could have been last year's power rotation. They would've had the money to bring back Willie Reed (a player other general managers don't seem to be overly impressed with). That would've left the team with a power rotation of Hassan Whiteside, Willie Reed, James Johnson, Luke Babbitt and what will most likely an improved Okaro White. Additionally, Justise Winslow is capable of playing minutes at power forward. That appears to be a pretty deep power rotation when compared to small forward, where you have a player (Justise Winslow) the Heat cannot be sure will be able to shoot well enough to be a starting wing in today's NBA, and a shooting guard (Rodney McGruder) forced to play small last year. I agree with you about the potential of switching Josh Richardson to small forward. With that power rotation, I understand there would be some similarities with Reed, but in signing Olynyk to a four-year contract, and the same for James Johnson, you have to wonder where Bam fits in, this year or in the foreseeable future. How are they going to develop his game? Where will the minutes come from? You expect the No. 14 player in the first round to be a rotation player in his first year, and contend to start in year two or three. -- Matt.
A: Just as the Heat go into the draft with a best-available-player approach, that appeared to be the same process with their last significant salary-cap chip. With Erik Spoelstra's position-less slant, Olynyk stood to them as the best bang for the buck, at least for their system. You certainly can make a case for Rudy Gay, but his move to the Spurs was more indicative of a desire to win now, not to necessarily grow with a program. And part of the flexibility with James Johnson is that he can defend on the wing. That, in fact, was his role with the Raptors when it came to games against LeBron James. And as long as you can account for coverages defensively, it doesn't really matter the positional delineations. You are going to see a lot of switching on pick-and-rolls, with Adebayo showing enough foot speed to defend on the perimeter. And now you have big men such as Johnson, Olynyk, Adebayo, and, dare we say it, Hassan Whiteside, who can bust it out on the dribble off a defensive rebound. If your argument is that the Heat have taken an unconventional approach, you are correct. This will not be a team where the small forward will load up on shots and iso attempts. This will -- at least it's the hope -- remain equal opportunity.
Q: Reports last summer indicated that the Heat were desperately trying to open up more cap space to pay Dwyane Wade what he desired but were unable to find a taker for Josh McRoberts. A year older and an injury-plagued season later they are now all of a sudden able to trade McRoberts for cap space? It doesn't add up. -- Herbert.
A: Actually, it does. When the Heat were attempting to move McRoberts last summer, it was with two years remaining on his contract at nearly $12 million total (and, as we know now, with a broken foot, which would have had to have been revealed in any trade). Now the price was cut in half, with the Heat having the ability to send cash and a draft pick along with McRoberts. This time, McRoberts also stands as a tradable contract for Dallas at the 2017 trading deadline. The scenario with McRoberts last summer compared to this summer was apples and oranges.
Q: I know Chris Bosh might want to continue his NBA playing career, but if he can't find a team willing to take him on, or be unable to do so, he should return to the Heat and be a part of Erik Spoelstra's coaching staff. It would be such an advantage to have his mind and experience on the bench again. -- Robert, Miami.
A: It was sad and unfortunate that Bosh wasn't around last season, even as he remained close to so many players on the roster. Based on Chris' open letter over the weekend, I would think that would change. I would doubt that Chris would want to take on anything official, but it would be nice to have him around at times, just as Alonzo Mourning spends time with players. The Heat need to extend an open invitation to Chris, perhaps including some time on the team's broadcasts.
July 9, 2017
Q: Do you have a sense if Plan B of free agency was something the players brought to Pat Riley (and Heat management) or Heat management would have done regardless? The Heat could have let these players walk and hope a whale or big-name player(s) shake free in February. What prevented Riley from playing the short game for another season? Are you surprised Riley didn't play the short game to try to set up for a whale? -- Stuart.
A: While I don't believe the players dictated the Heat's approach, per se, I do believe that their enthusiasm to keep it together and work together created an infectious optimism in the Heat front office. It's interesting, among the elements cited for Dion Waiters' success has been his irrational confidence. I do believe there was a certain irrational faith in the front office when it came to bringing back last season's core. You could see it with James Johnson's embrace of Pat Riley and in Riley's words in the announcement of Waiters' return. That can wind up going one of two ways: It could instill faith in the players for continued growth and even greater success, or it could result in the Heat's -- dare we say it? -- own irrational confidence overcoming common sense. I have never, in the time doing this, seen a Heat roster so intent to keep it together. Typically, players talk about expectation of change. This was different. So I do believe the Heat somewhat stepped out on a ledge with these deals. Now either the players again take flight. Or . . .
Q: Ira, based on James Johnson's comments, do you see him emerging as a captain or a leader with the Heat? It sounds like it. -- Mike.
A: I doubt the Heat make any move with the captaincy, other than leave it in the hands of Udonis Haslem. But it has become clear, especially with Haslem's minutes being negligible, that James has become the emotional on-court leader of the team. Goran Dragic, while a floor leader, does not necessarily have the temperament to get in teammates' faces. Dion Waiters often is dealing with his own emotions. But Johnson has continually rallied his teammates, and has proven to be an adept towel waver, as well.
Q: Ira, is the only contract left right now that the Heat could trade, other than Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson's? -- Gabriel.
A: No, although you are somewhat correct, since players signed in the offseason cannot be dealt until Dec. 15 at the earliest, with an earlier timetable with signed draft picks. Since Wayne Ellington had a conditional contract that was guaranteed, he can be dealt immediately. The Heat also can now trade Justise Winslow, Okaro White, Josh Richardson and Rodney McGruder at any time, as well as A.J. Hammons, as long as he is not packaged with another player in a deal. But this generally is not the time of year that features trades beyond those involving free-agency (sign-and-trades, etc.).
July 8, 2017
Q: Say the whole thing at point guard doesn't go well with Josh Richardson. If he can put on that 10 pounds of muscle that he wants along with his shooting, especially if he develops a good mid-range game, he could become a very good wing player. Agree? -- Chris.
A: I've thought that from the get-to, that Josh as a small forward could conceivably be his NBA landing spot. First of all, shooting guard and small forward are virtually interchangeable in today's NBA, So that part of the equation comes down to defensive assignments. But pairing him with Justise Winslow would offer plenty of versatility on that end. For the Heat, decisions could have to be made soon with Richardson, who will be eligible for an extension starting in August. That only makes it prudent to explore all of his possibilities, including whether rotation minutes at small forward might be in his future. While he played point guard at Tennessee, he has not shown NBA-level ballhandling and playmaking skills against pressure defense.
Q: I don't envy Erik Spoelstra having the task of figuring out the chess pieces for success as we have just enough changes to make his job nearly impossible especially the first 20 games or so. -- Brian, Fort Lauderdale.
A: And that's what can't happen again, digging the type of 30-11 hole the ultimately proved too much to surmount. The risk when you add too many new pieces is that chemistry takes time to evolve. Face it, who knew what the Heat had in James Johnson, Dion Waiters, Luke Babbitt and Willie Reed at the start of last season? And who knew what they didn't have in Derrick Williams? By bringing back so many of last season's components, it merely becomes a case of working in Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo, who might not even be a rotation player at the start of the season. And yet, the most intriguing challenge for Spoelstra could be finding a role for Justise Winslow that meshes with the successful style the Heat utilized in his absence over the second half of last season.
Q: Ira, I watched Boston's Game 7 against the Wizards. Kelly Olynyk's game was huge on the biggest stage of a series. Do you think that if the Heat knew before the draft they would acquire Olynyk, who handles the ball well and moves quickly down the floor, that they still would have drafted Bam Adebayo? -- Tim, Carey, N.C.
A: Which is exactly why I would have preferred the NFL system of free agency, the draft, and then more free agency. The Heat stressed at the draft that at No. 14 they were committed to the best player available. So perhaps there is no need for revisionist history. But considering that Pat Riley also prefers to live in the moment, as evidenced by the Heat's free-agency decisions, you certainly could have made an argument that a wing or point guard would have made more sense with Olynyk onboard (not that there was much left at those positions). For now, with James Johnson's versatility that includes the ability to play as a point center, it could very well be that Adebayo starts the season out of the primary rotation.
July 7, 2017
Q: The Heat are capped out with "above average" talent for a few years. Is the plan to tread water as No. 6 seed, a la the Memphis Grizzlies? -- Evan.
A: Are we actually sold on "above average"? Put it this way, the mailbox was overrun Thursday with questions about three $50 million-plus contracts to Kelly Olynyk, Dion Waiters and James Johnson. All are nice players, but none likely to emerge as an All-Star. Of course, some of that simply is the price of doing business in today's NBA, as evidenced by Tim Hardaway Jr. getting 50 percent more than these three Heat deals on his offer sheet from the Knicks. Then again, there was plenty of scoffing last summer when the Heat added Johnson, Waiters, Luke Babbitt, Wayne Ellington and, yes, Derrick Williams. The difference is these are four-year deals as opposed to those one year deals. The Heat not only locked themselves in for 2017-18, but also for '18-19 and '19-20, at the least. And all of that with Tyler Johnson going up to $19 million on the final two years of his deal starting in 2018-19. So you're talking $200 million in contracts for Olynyk, Waiters and a pair of Johnsons. With last summer's signings, the evaluation period was for a year. Now? This is your team going forward. And, frankly, it seemingly would have to overachieve for a quality seed. We shall see.
Q: Ira, I understand I shouldn't be emotionally attached to last season's team, and that I should want to win at all costs, even if it meant jettisoning fun to watch players like Dion Waiters or James Johnson. But I'm sorry, I just don't. As a fan, as a team, as a town, we've been there. Yeah, we won a couple of championships. That was great. But we've done the super-team thing. Now I'd like to do the basketball-team thing. I'd like it not to be about someone's ego (LeBron James). Last season I saw 15 guys formed into that rarest of commodities in the NBA -- a team. And they pretty much kicked the butt of everyone in their way during the second half of the season, until one unfortunate injury to Dion Waiters. Call me naive, but I'd like to see how far we can ride this. -- John, Boca Raton.
A: And now you will get your chance. But I've got to say, of the questions I've received this week, you are in the minority. The overall reaction is that the Heat maxed out last season and should have moved on. Now we get to see if there is another level. Based on what has been spent, going back to last summer's $98 million agreement with Hassan Whiteside, there had better be.
Q: I can see why Gordon Hayward ruled the Heat out. First, great organization/coaching staff, but as far as the roster, nothing really too enticing to lure a "whale." This is the flip side to being the best team in the league for four years. -- Matthew, Weston.
A: Actually, it's totally tied into that, because of one of the Big Three components. What people tend to overlook, even in this situation, is how much the Chris Bosh situation impacted the Heat not only in the standings the past three seasons, but in a situation like this. Put a healthy Chris Bosh in that room with Hayward and the equation changes. Yes, the lure was the cap space created by Bosh's release, but there also might not have been ancillary moves in the interim to free up other space. Bosh would have been the perfect complement to Hayward, a stretch four who could help space the floor and help defensively with his ability to switch on the pick-and-roll. So much of what has impacted the Heat in free agency since LeBron James' departure can be tracked to the illness that has removed Bosh from the Heat's equation. Would Bosh have swayed Kevin Durant? Not likely. Would he have swayed Hayward? If the decision was as challenging as Hayward wrote, who knows?
July 6, 2017
Q: Can the Heat pay Dion Waiters and Tyler Johnson starter's money when only one can start? -- David.
A: I'm not sure I would draw the line at starting, but rather whether both will be big-minutes rotation players. If that's the case, then in this $100 million salary-cap NBA universe, the math should work, especially with so many low-end salaries at the back end of the roster. The difference is that Dion's contract is relatively flat, while Tyler's takes that crazy jump to $19 million in each of the final two seasons because of the offer sheet that was matched last summer. This doesn't mean the Heat have to do something at the moment. But if they want to create cap space in the 2018 offseason, then Tyler's deal could leave them in a tenuous position. Actually, if they wind up extending Josh Richardson this season, then they won't be able to even sniff cap space in the 2018 offseason unless there is a roster implosion, anyway. As long as small ball continues to rule the day in the NBA, then there should be ample opportunity to create minutes for both Dion and Tyler.
Q: Although Heat fans recognize the amazing things Riley has done for the Heat in 20-plus years, you can't deny he's been in a slump recently. Strikeouts include losing LeBron James, drafting Justise Winslow (a player they didn't work out and other teams passed on) over Myles Turner/Devin Booker, giving up future picks for Goran Dragic, not tanking after starting 11-30, and missing on Gordon Hayward. Granted, last season was the most exciting 41-41 year you can find, but a sub-.500 year could have meant more for long-term success than one season did for in-the-moment excitement. -- Sergio, Dallas.
A: OK, let's start with the revisionist thinking on the tanking aspect (since it sure seems like plenty of people were having a good time over the final months of the season). Unless the Heat were going to reach unfathomable depths, they still might have wound up as no better than in the middle of the lottery pack. That would have gotten you Lauri Markkanen, Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith, Zach Collins. Transformative players? I'm not sure that is anyone's projections. With Winslow, are you really ready to slam the door after one season and two months? And that gets us back to the free-agency situation. Would it have been easier to stomach had the Heat not even been able to meet with Hayward? I think that's where a lot of the sting comes from. And as LeBron has shown, nobody controls his decisions other than himself. As for the Dragic deal, I'm not sure either of those picks to the Suns will match what Goran will have given the Heat over the course of his contract, which actually turned out to be somewhat of a bargain. The problem with all things Riley is the ridiculous standard that he has set. Sometimes life puts you in the middle of the pack. The Heat motto lately has been "one percent better." And it, indeed, looks like the Heat will be better next season. So that's something, right, even if incremental progress?
Q: We are thin at center. -- Dustin.
A: Yes, Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo are relatively lean. As far as depth, I would think with Udonis Haslem expected back that they will be covered in the middle, especially with the expectation of plenty of small ball from Erik Spoelstra.
July 5, 2017
Q: Assuming that Gordon Hayward signed with Boston over Miami because Boston is "closer" to challenging Cleveland, if Miami can get back Dion Waiters and James Johnson do you get the feeling the Heat players can and will play with a chip on their shoulder next season? -- Stuart.
A: A chip on your shoulder only gets you so far in the NBA; talent takes you much farther. We were talking about this at the Orlando summer league, about where the Heat without Hayward would stand in a diminished East where Atlanta lost Paul Millsap, Chicago lost Jimmy Butler and Indiana lost Paul George. The thought was that Boston and Cleveland would battle for the top two seeds (many forget that Boston won the East No. 1 seed last season). The next two seeds appear to be the Raptors and Wizards, with Toronto keeping its talent and the Washington apparently willing to fend off the poaching of Otto Porter. Beyond that, don't forget that the Bucks will have Khris Middleton for a full season and will be getting Jabari Parker back from his knee injury. So the ultimate upside for the Heat? You've likely looking at sixth place, with the hope of avoiding the Cavaliers and Celtics in the first round. If you want to take the reverse approach and simply make it to the playoffs, you have to define seven teams who won't make the postseason in the East. I'd say Brooklyn, Orlando and New York are good places to start, with Chicago, Atlanta and Indiana showing little playoff inclination. That would mean two more teams would have to be out, say, among the grouping of Detroit, Charlotte, Philadelphia, for the Heat to be in.
Q: I don't have a problem with Pat Riley & Co. missing out on Gordon Hayward after swinging and missing on Kevin Durant last year. After all, the Heat were one of the few franchises granted an audience with each of those guys despite not having a playoff roster or even a single All-Star. Clearly, top players still view Miami as a prime destination. -- David.
A: But sometimes when you're swinging for the fences you miss out on opportunities to set the table. The question this year is whether waiting on Hayward kept the Heat from moving their money elsewhere, perhaps to Danilo Gallinari, Paul Millsap or Serge Ibaka. Of course, James Johnson and Dion Waiters were kind enough to wait. So if that was the plan, then something ventured and still something gained.
Q: In the end Gordon Hayward turns out to be as selfish and uncaring as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. He left Utah with nothing. The Heat deserved better, as well. He should have manned up Monday night and told them. Guess he learned that from LeBron, as well. The Celtics, Danny Ainge and Hayward deserve each other. Good riddance. Move on. -- Skip Tampa.
A: Nah, free agency means being able to control your destiny. Actually, compare that to the grief Paul George got when he was candid enough to let the Pacers know he would be leaving in a year. George got pilloried for that move, but at least Indiana was able to get something in return (as meager as that haul from the Thunder turned out to be).
July 4, 2017
Q: I'm not going to lie. I questioned Bam Adebayo at No. 14, but John Calipari certainly kept his kids within his system. Unless you were present for Bam's private workouts, you didn't know he had this in him. Yes, he has the body of Dwight Howard, but Bam has the potential to be the offensive threat that Dwight never became. Talk about versatility -- the Heat might be able to defensively switch everything when he's in the game. Very excited about his future. -- Hanson.
A: I would put it this way, enjoy these moments, because they've certainly been fun in Orlando. But also appreciate the level of competition -- or lack thereof. Most players can thrive in lead roles. But that's not going to be Bam's role with the Heat, certainly not at the outset. So for every Euro-step in transition, track the defensive rebounding and screen setting. But being fleet afoot certainly helps, and, as you note, presents intriguing defensive options when it comes to being able to switch defensively alongside Justise Winslow, James Johnson and Josh Richardson. It's not as sexy, but Adebayo being able to defend on the perimeter matters in today's stretch-four, pick-and-roll NBA.
Q: Ira, what do you think about what Kevin Durant did? Got to give him props for taking less to keep the core together. -- Bev.
A: Just like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh did during their Big Three tenure with the Heat. And that's what makes it all the more of a shame that Wade and the Heat allowed such a small sum to get in the way last summer. For all the loopholes and exceptions in the NBA salary cap, it's a shame that players with long tenures with team or icons of the sport can't be granted some sort of exemption.
Q: Ira, after the decimation of Eastern Conference stars moving to the West, when will the NBA go to a Nos. 1-16 seeding for the playoffs? The Eastern Conference playoffs will be a solution for insomnia in the coming years. -- Rob, Palm Beach.
A: Actually, I believe that's the exact reason it won't happen. For teams in the East to know they would then go into the playoff buzz saw of the West at the start of the playoffs, it might only increase the likelihood of tanking. At the moment, a No. 7 or No. 6 seed in the East actually could see hope of winning a playoff series or two. And by keeping it conference only, it guarantees the league of dynamic playoff series from the outset of the postseason, when considering the possibilities in the West.
July 3, 2017
Q: Ira, if the Heat don't sign Gordon Hayward, they still are in need of a starting small forward who can consistently hit the three and spread the floor. We had a shooting guard starting at small forward after Justise Winslow went done, and for all his toughness, and improved outside shooting as then moved along, Rodney McGruder is not tall and big enough to guard the larger small forwards in the league. And to count on Justise Winslow improving his shot to where he can play the type of offense the team showed the second half of the season is seemingly very risky. -- Matt.
A: The lesson in early July is not to make lineup assumptions about November or January or March. Teams and rosters evolve, just as the Heat's did, in finding what proved to be enduring success with McGruder starting at small forward. Until we see Winslow back in the gym shooting and getting instructed on jumpers, we won't know until we know. And at this time last summer, no one was mentioning James Johnson, Dion Waiters or Luke Babbitt until they happened. What this time of year is about is talent accumulation. Then, when given a roster, you mold the rotation accordingly. And, as we've learned with Erik Spoelstra, you don't get caught up in positional designations. Who the Heat have at small forward on July 3 just doesn't matter all that much. Instead, what matters is the overall talent quotient. And that is why Hayward matters so much.
Q: If the Heat don't get Hayward, I think it might be wise to sign James Johnson and little else. Save the space for next year. Dion Waiters is too injury-prone. -- Eric.
A: Have to be honest, I have been waffling on Waiters because of the small sample size and question of whether the Heat already have seen his best. But this is not about saving cap space for next summer, because the only way the Heat could get back into the space race would be to jettison Tyler Johnson and that contract that balloons to $19 million next summer. This is the summer that has been two years in the making because of the salary relief for Chris Bosh.
Q: Excluding Bam Adebayo and Okaro White, it's safe to say that nobody is going to get a roster spot or a two-way contract from the Heat's summer-league team . Let's just say it hasn't been pretty. The addition of two-way contracts has to be exciting for the Heat because they have been great at using the "farm system." so I'm excited to see what the Heat come up with. Summer leaguers that haven't been drafted/under contract are free to sign with any interested team, correct? Do the Heat have scouts watching every summer league game, searching for a diamond in the rough? -- Matthew.
A: You bet, and that's exactly why they're playing in both the Orlando and Las Vegas summer leagues. For years, prospects have been signed away from Heat summer teams, including Willie Reed and Ian Clark. This could be a year when it works the other way. When you watch these summer-league games keep in mind that it essentially is a secondary form of free agency, save for draft choices and the few signed veterans who are participating. Even teams not participating have scouts in Orlando.
July 2, 2017
Q: What is to prevent the Heat from getting Luol Deng-ed and Joe Johnson-ed on free-agent contracts with Dion Waiters and James Johnson? -- Stuart.
A: Absolutely nothing. Because that's the way the Heat have always done business -- they draw a line at financial prudence and if a player gets an outside offer exceeding that figure, they wish him all the best. That's what happened last summer with Luol Deng going to the Lakers and Joe Johnson moving on to the Jazz. This year, they have decided that Gordon Hayward is worth the max, and that everyone else has their limits. The fact that James Johnson was at the Heat's meeting with Hayward (and Waiters wasn't) tells me that Johnson remains open to working within the Heat parameters. And if neither Johnson nor Waiters returns? The Heat will survive, as they set out to find the next Johnson and the next Waiters.
Q: I'm confused, the Celtics won the East (OK, regular season), have Gordon Hayward's college coach (Brad Stevens) and have all those first-round picks (the Heat have almost none). So why would he ever pick Miami over Boston? -- Chip.
A: Have been trying to reason that one out, as well. And that made me wonder whether the Heat would go to the point of negative recruiting ("Isaiah Thomas doesn't give up the ball." "All those first-round picks mean a lack of roster stability." "Too much overlap at your position.") Frankly, I doubt it; it's just not the Heat way. But I also believe that's why the Heat remained so private about their presentation, so they wouldn't open themselves to counter-arguments. The intrigue continues . . . beneath all those banners in Boston.
Q: Rate Bam Adebayo's first game. -- Zep.
A: To me it's all about context, considering how Earl Barron rates as one of the all-time legends of the Orlando Pro Summer League. What he showed, with his scoring, rebounding and defending is that there is no lack of confidence, and that matters. But just as the game is faster and rougher in summer league than college, the regular season is a whole other story. To me, considering what the Heat are asking of Bam, the most important element to see is how long he can keep the motor revving at a rate similar to what we witnessed Saturday.
July 1, 2017
Q: Why didn't the Heat trade for Paul George? We could have offered a way better deal then what OKC did. -- Daniel, Miami.
A: Or could they? Look, I can't sit here and say I'm not stunned about how little it took for the Thunder to land George, at the mere cost of Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. For days, the thought here was the Heat couldn't get into the George bidding because they didn't have draft picks to offer. As it turns out, no draft picks were involved in the deal. So the untold story becomes how much, if much at all, the Heat were willing to offer. Clearly, the overriding concern in the process was that any detour for George was going to be for a single season, eventually to land with the Lakers a year from now. Against that backdrop, it well could be that the Heat were not willing to put Justise Winslow into a deal, as Pat Riley insisted during his season-ending media session. So if you're not dangling Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic and Winslow, and if you're unable to deal your impending free agents, such as James Johnson and Dion Waiters, what exactly was left for the Heat to package? For as limited as the Thunder package was, it still trumped anything involving Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson and any other Heat spare parts. So, in the end, it could be argued that the Heat chose not to offer as much as the Thunder, and that Pat stood pat.
Q: Why couldn't these NBA moves happen last season? The Heat would have definitely made the playoffs. -- Stuart.
A: Well, unless Dwight Howard revitalizes the Hornets, then a bunch of teams are headed south in the East based on these recent moves, from the Bulls dealing Jimmy Butler, to the Pacers trading George, to Toronto faced with losing Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka in free agency, to Atlanta already without Dwight Howard and possible losing Paul Millsap. But there still are the Cavaliers, Celtics, Wizards and Bucks, who appear to be a team on the rise. So I'm still not sure that a Heat team without further bolstering can position themselves for homecourt in the first round of the playoffs. That said, the No. 5 seed certainly is there for the taking.
Q: Did the Heat even want Blake Griffin? -- Ian.
A: I'm not sure. There was no meeting set up before Blake hastily cancelled his interviews and re-upped with the Clippers. I think suitors knew from the outset that they couldn't compete with a five-year, $175 million offer from the Clippers. So it came down to whether the Clippers were going to make that offer. They did. Case closed. With Blake injury history, the Clippers opted for the ultimate gamble. I think outside teams had concerns about durability