Q: If ever there was a year to tank for the famously non-tanking Heat, this is it. – James, Osprey.
A: Yes, can appreciate that the Heat hold their own 2026 first-round pick, with the top of the 2026 draft considering particular enticing. But it is going to be very, very hard not to at least make the play-in the East, when considering the level of bad that the Wizards and Nets are targeting, and the lack of direction of the Hornets, Bulls and Raptors. In fact, with their injuries/roster situations, it’s not as if the Bucks, Pacers or Celtics are beyond the Heat’s reach. Tanking in the East . . . will be difficult.
Q: Throw last season out, it was built around Jimmy Butler and his style. Judge them this season with full camp and time to implement a new system knowing Butler is gone. After this season Heat can judge what they have and plan a path forward. – Tom.
A: And this is the counter to the question above, that this also is a time for the Heat to fully take stock of what they have in Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, the young components and even Norman Powell in a contract year. Yes, losing can lead to lottery luck. But competing is the only way to get a true read of what you have, and, therefore, what you need.
Q: I have been wondering why the Heat keep trying with Keshad Johnson? He is very big, but not tall and I just don’t seem to see what he brings to the team except maybe rebounding. Can you fix my dilemma with an explanation? – Roland, Borrego Springs, Calif.
A: Yes, Keshad Johnson is a dynamic presence in the open court. The problem is not all games are played in the open court, particularly playoff games. So while he can rebound (although more would have been preferred in summer league), I think his only true avenue to playing time, beyond defense and rebounding, would be the type of 3-point stroke that earns the respect of opponents.