Q: Not really concerned with wins and losses next year. It’s really about who can develop into a solid role player or more. Seems like the focus will be on the Heat’s recent first-round picks Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware. How do you see it playing out? – John, Ocala.
A: I too see the focus on first-round picks, but not the ones you cite. At the moment, the Heat are built to maximize the skills of Bam Adebayo (No. 14 in 2017) and Tyler Herro (No. 13 in 2019). That makes the first-round picks you cite most likely to be viewed as supporting pieces. For now, the goal, amid the win-now philosophy appears to be riding the Adebayo-Herro combo until it proves incapable of meeting the team’s goal. To a degree, that inflection point will determine where this heads next. But of the three you cite – Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware – I’m not sure any are viewed as future leading men. That is why many have advocated the lottery path, to find that next leading man.
Q: I feel as a Heat fan we’re in purgatory with a few high quality players but not good enough to get far and too good to possibly get future stars.. Are we becoming the Dolphins, but with a much better recent history? –Steven, Grantham, N.H.
A: It certainly feels as if there are parallels, good enough to sniff the playoffs, but not much more. The difference is the Dolphins seem to have more stars, but are in a sport when 22 play when considering both sides of the ball. So the percentage of Dolphins stars to their overall playing rotation might be similar to the Heat’s percentage. And when it comes to draft picks, neither team has been bad enough, with the Dolphins having the advantage there with no lottery to complicate the draft order. A major difference though is the front office and coaching staff when it comes to the Heat. Each of those aspects mean when the Heat get the right players, the front office and coaching staff will know what to do with them. For now, though, there are the wandering Marlins, the middling Heat and Dolphins, and the elite Panthers.
Q: Ira, how do you think Heat players react to only getting five national games. That’s less than Portland or Sacramento? – Kyle.
A: I think such snubs tend to get overstated because players know that those who want to watch can watch anywhere on League Pass. In fact, with streaming services such as Amazon Prime and Peacock added to the mix, it actually will be easier to stream games on League Pass than the broadcasts on the national outlets. So while the Heat will be featured just five times on the combined ABC/ESPN/NBC/Peacock/Prime packages, there is something to be said for actually being able to find the games. National television isn’t what it used to be, because television isn’t what it used to be. So, basically, get ready for a season of snuggling up alongside Eric Reid and John Crotty.
Originally Published: August 21, 2025 at 6:05 AM EDT