Q: Ira, with Cooper Flagg and most of the top players having had enough of summer league, we’d better see Kasparas Jakucionis show some flash. All that’s left is G League talent. – Anderson.
A: First of all, when assessing what remains in Vegas, there actually are plenty of hungry players with NBA experience still at play, including Kira Lewis Jr. with the Heat. Yes, summer league gets watered down as the week goes on (it might be the only league where by the time you get to the championship, the best players have departed), but the final games are almost Hunger Games. That’s when the desperation increases for those seeking two-way deals, camp spots and Exhibit 10 contract. As for Kasparas Jakucionis, “flash” is not what is needed; we already know he has that. What we need to see is a tighter handle, reduced turnovers and the ability to score without forcing the issue.
Q: What are the Heat waiting for with their final spot? – Ryan.
A: I guess the counter would be, why rush? Yes, with 14 players under standard contract, a roster spot remains. But in the offseason, teams can carry a maximum of 21 under contract. Now, if an unexpected free agent became available (as Damian Lillard has, and others could), that’s a different story. But for now, there still is the remainder of the summer to play out and time to decide what might be the most pressing need. And that’s if the 15th spot is filled at all, with the Heat currently over the luxury tax and allowed to operate all season with 14 under standard deals.
Q: You mentioned Erik Stevenson for a two-way, but what about Javonte Cooke? – Seth
A: Actually, what I said was Erik Stevenson is someone the Heat might want to keep in their pipeline and perhaps invite to camp. But I also noted that Erik is 26 and basically might have aged out when it comes to being cast as a prospect. Similarly, Javonte Cooke also is 26, and also is more than three years into his pro journey. For many on the Heat’s summer roster, this largely has been about summer exposure. While the Heat can invite up to 21 to camp, they typically fill the back end of that figure with those they run through training camp and then send to the G League with an Exhibit 10 camp bonus.