Q: Duncan Robinson scored more 3 -pointers (190) than Norman Powell (179) last season and is making less money. Are we sure Powell is an upgrade? – Harvey.
A: Yes, a far more diverse scorer than a 3-point specialist. As one scout told me, his reference point to Norman Powell is that he is a scorer not just a shooter. And at one point earlier in his career, Norman was a far superior defender than Duncan Robinson even on Duncan’s best defensive days. That did slip noticeably last season with the Clippers, with the question of whether the Heat can get him back up to a workable level. But, yes, with all due respect to Duncan, an upgrade. The bottom line was that the Heat were not going to be able to retain Duncan at much less than $20 million, which makes the actual price points for the Heat relatively equal.
Q: Hi, Ira. The Norman Powell trade seems too good to be true, am I missing something? I hope that, unlike the case with Terry Rozier, his offensive numbers will translate to the Heat’s slow-paced offense. – Ray, Deerfield Beach.
A: The difference is that Norman Powell has shown he can score on a team that valued winning. Terry Rozier’s scoring with the Hornets came on the team with little such direction. Norman Powell has done it when it has mattered. That matters. A lot. Further, the Clippers were 22nd in pace last season, not far off the Heat’s No. 27. So Norman has already shown an ability to play amid a slow go.
Q: Ira, I am cautiously optimistic for next year. While I agree with you that there is a chance for another trade move, even a Pat Riley out-of-the-blue blockbuster, I think this team, as constituted, could be a mid-40s-win team. IMHO, it is not a 37-win team adding Norman Powell. It is a 37-win team not having the sturm und drang of the Jimmy Butler situation and adding Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell and Norman Powell. Even with no growth from the young guys, that could be seven or eight more wins. – Howard, Hallandale Beach.
A: Agree that if not for the Jimmy Butler contretemps last season, something closer to .500 could be achieved. But there remain so many unknowns, including the young players. Erik Spoelstra had ample pieces. But do they fit? The East will afford an opportunity for improvement, but most every team at the top of the conference has a better player than the Heat’s best player.