Q: I would love for the Heat to add an above-average point guard. – Jerry, Miami.
A: And this is an issue for scorers who need the ball on time, on target, something the Heat have not had since their best of days with Kyle Lowry. And that matters, because notice how far from the paint Bam Adebayo’s post touches come at times. Similarly, 3-point shooters are better shooters who the pass comes directly into their shooting pocket. And that’s the concern, that for all the guards the Heat have, they still lack a true point guard. Davion Mitchell comes closest, but he is more of a drive-and-kick assist man than necessarily a set-up man. So, again, it likely will be playmaking by committee, including from Bam and Nikola Jovic. Lots of guards; no true point guard.
Q: I say trade Andrew Wiggins so he doesn’t take away Nikola Jovic’s playing time. He’s a last piece to a championship team, but in these early stages of this championship roster, the young players gotta get confidence and playing time because we’re maybe a season away from really competing. – Swann.
A: Once the Heat went for Norman Powell, it became more of a turn to a win-now approach. And right now, Andrew Wiggins is a far superior player to Nikola Jovic. This is still about earning playing time for Nikola, not it being gifted. There should be ample opportunity for Nikola this season, even with Andrew on the roster. And the Heat will need both to win. (Unless the Heat can get a first-round pick for Andrew, in which case all bets are off.)
Q: Sometimes improvement means accepting what you are and acknowledging what you aren’t. You cannot mistake optimism and competitiveness with delusions. – Hinawa.
A: And I don’t think the Heat are doing that. From Erik Spoelstra on down, I believe there is an appreciation that work has to be done. This very much could be the make-or-break season for the Tyler Herro-Bam Adebayo duo.