Q: Ira, we hear so much about Heat family and wanting players who want to be there. Alec Burks said he wanted to return and the Heat have an open roster spot. What’s the holdup? – Theo.
A: That times change. When Alec Burks spoke in June at Cooper City High School during the Heat’s youth camp about a desire to return, it was before Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio were acquired, before Kasparas Jakucionis was drafted, and before Pelle Larsson had a breakout week in summer league. While there remains a vacant spot on the standard roster, that spot is not required to be filled, with the Heat over the luxury tax even with that spot vacant. Burks’ desire for a return was similar to what Patty Mills expressed a year earlier during his Heat free agency, when he instead was left to sign with the Jazz. Players such as Burks and Mills are signed to fill out rosters when needed. For all he helped stabilize last season, Alec Burks is not needed at the moment. Cold, but true. Now, if the Heat make some type of consolidation trade, sending out more than are brought in, that could instantly change the calculus. As it is, there remain several roster vacancies around the league that could provide landing spots, with Alec as low-maintenance as it gets with a veteran.
Q: Does Norman Powell still have his joy? – Adel.
A: This was in response to noting that Norman Powell has taken over the locker stall that belonged to Jimmy Butler before Jimmy’s trade last season to the Warriors. It is somewhat featured space, considering it has a locker alongside only on one side, with quick exit space on the other to the training room, a stall that had been Dwyane Wade’s at one stage. Last season, it stood as a somewhat uneasy area amid Jimmy’s differences with the team, never quite sure whether Jimmy would be addressing the media. After Jimmy’s departure, Kyle Anderson was placed there, with Kyle then included in the trade that delivered Norman. Based on his interactions to this stage, Norm appears to have plenty of joy when it comes to this latest career relocation.
Q: I’ve lost all faith. Here’s to another (bad word) season. – Kristin.
A: Actually, it could be difficult to have that bad of a season, considering how far the East has fallen. Beyond, say. the Cavaliers, Knicks, perhaps Magic, how many games in the East stand as ultimate challenges? Two seasons ago, the Heat were 46-36. With this group, that yet could be possible again, even without significant upgrades from last season.