Q: Ira, what do you make of Kai Jones? – Sandy.
A: The same I make of the others who work in the Heat’s gym in the offseason, that players continue to look at the Heat as a place to resurrect careers. But there also needs to be perspective. For players attempting resurrection with the Heat, it helps to have remaining eligibility for a two-way contract. RJ Hampton had two-way eligibility, so the Heat gave him a look two seasons ago. Josh Christopher had two-way eligibility, so the Heat gave him a look last season. Kai Jones does not have two-way eligibility, and that matters a lot for a team hard up against the luxury tax. This feels more like Nassir Little’s camp tryout with the Heat a year ago, with nothing guaranteed from a contractual perspective. And for every player whose name comes out as working for the Heat during the summer, there also are several others who handle such work privately. Yes, the Heat could use another option at center, a position that Jones plays. But the ultimate play could be adding another center eligible for a two-way contract. That way the Heat can split minutes in the middle with centers on two-way deals – Vlad Goldin if bulk is needed, a more agile big man if positional versatility is needed. It is far more likely that the Heat fill their third and final two-way spot (they will, eventually), than necessarily their 15th and final standard spot on the roster.
Q: Have you come around on the NBA Cup? – Theo.
A: Nope. It still comes off more as an early-season schedule hassle than a crown necessarily coveted. And while there can be massive payoffs for the players in terms of cash bonuses when advancing to the knockout round, I’m still not sure what fans get out of it, other than not knowing the dates for two games on the schedule until group play in the NBA Cup is completed. From Dec. 9 through Dec. 16, the NBA schedule is a great unknown for all involved, including season-ticket holders. But, hey, if you like cool, different-looking courts, then all is good.
Q: The Heat players internationally this summer are playing against scrubs. Come on. – Yoel.
A: Sometimes, the quality of competition means less than getting into the competition, particularly for young players. Playing for Sweden and Serbia, respectively, for Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic can only enhance their careers. For veterans such as Norman Powell (Jamaica) and Simone Fontecchio (Italy), it’s all about national pride, and there is nothing wrong with that, either.
Originally Published: August 14, 2025 at 6:05 AM EDT