Q: Ira, when the Heat traded for Norman Powell it indicated a direction. We’re going for it. So if 32-year-old Norman Powell is it, then why not 31-year-old Marcus Smart, since our only point guard (Davion Mitchell) might not be a point guard? – Earl.
A: Because lateral moves are not necessarily the answer, even when it comes to experience. While Marcus Smart could round out a guard rotation with Tyler Herro, Norman Powell and Davion Mitchell. that effectively would shut out opportunity for Pelle Larsson, Kasparas Jakucionis and perhaps even Jaime Jaquez Jr. At some point there simply is not more room at the veteran inn. And if the Heat do make another move for age with their 15th roster spot, the power rotation would be the better place to start.
Q: So no Alec Burks? – Thomas.
A: It does not look that way at the moment, unless there is a trade to open roster space, or unless there is the unlikely decision to stretch and waive a player on the roster to save against the luxury tax (Simone Fontecchio?). It’s interesting, Patty Mills last year showed up at the Heat’s youth camp at Cooper City High School and emphasized how his priority was to return. He didn’t, instead signing with the Jazz when there was no Heat offer (with Alec Burks instead signed). This time, Alec Burks stood at Cooper City High School last month at the Heat’s youth camp and said his sole focus was a Heat return. He remains an unsigned free agent.
Q: There’s nothing interesting to report, I see? – Pup.
A: This came when I re-posted the Grizzlies’ social-media announcement of former Heat two-way prospect Zyon Pullin being released by Memphis. Why I thought it was newsworthy enough was that it shows how fleeting an offseason two-way contract can be. Zyon was under a Heat two-way deal last summer and it was pulled at the end of training camp. Now, in the middle of the summer, the former Florida guard is off his Grizzlies two-way deal. When it comes to two-way contracts, it very much can be here today, gone tomorrow. So, yes, I thought it was interesting. (As I did when the Magic on Monday signed former Heat center Orlando Robinson to a two-way contract.)