Q: We saw a stronger and bulked up Nikola Jovic, more willing to use his size inside, expanding his overall game, when he returned from injury. – Michael, Boynton Beach.
A: And I know much has been made of the photos of Nikola Jovic’s incredible bulk while currently working with the Serbian national team ahead of EuroBasket. But we also have seen plenty of other Heat players pumped up over the years during the offseason, only to return to more typical bulk. With Niko, it has to be more about the willingness to mix it up inside, play in the post. His games with Serbia could open such a window. Of course, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t return for camp talking more about a preferred perimeter role. Based on the current roster composition, the Heat will need Niko in a power role, with Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware the only others on standard contracts who can play in the middle.
Q: Seeing all these extensions now by players, would the Heat’s approach to Jimmy Butler have been different? – Kris, Oceanside, Calif.
A: Still not sure, considering Jimmy Butler last summer was asking to be paid while barely playing. The Heat simply needed to see more of Jimmy on the court. That was the reality of last summer. In addition, most of this summer’s extensions have come for far younger players. As it is, Jimmy will be 37 when he comes off his Warriors extension. As a matter of perspective, the latest reporting is the Rockets considering prudence when it comes to an extension for Kevin Durant, who has been far more durable, but turns 37 in September.
Q: Ira, when 10 teams are picked to play on Christmas and you’re not one of them, it means you’re in the bottom two-thirds of the league. – Steve.
A: And? The Heat finished 20th in the NBA last season, one game from tying for the ninth-worst record in the NBA. There not only never was a notion of this being a showcase team, but instead likely one to be bunched with the likes of the Hornets, Jazz, Wizards, Raptors and Nets when it comes to limited national telecasts this coming season. This isn’t about the Heat getting back to Christmas splendor; this is about getting back to some sort of relevance. When you are coming off a 10th-place finish in the East, there should be far greater concerns than television.