Q: Ira, just saw that Jeremy Lin retired. I thought the Heat retired him years ago? – Harrison.
A: So now everyone’s a comedian? For those who don’t get the intended sarcasm, on Feb. 23, 2012, at Kaseya Center, amid the heights of Linsanity, when Jeremy Lin was taking the NBA by storm with the New York Knicks, Erik Spoelstra and the Heat put together a stifling defensive approach that essentially knocked the wind out of the New York guard’s scoring streak and effectively ended the phenomenon. Lin shot just 1 of 11 that night in a 102-88 Heat victory, drawing defensive attention from LeBron James, Chris Bosh and the entire Heat rotation. In the immediate wake of that loss, Lin said, “I can’t remember another game where it was hard to just take dribbles.” From there, it was never quite the same for Linsanity, although the guard remained a respected ambassador for the game internationally, respect that endured and made his decision this weekend to retire particularly noteworthy.
Q: Ira, you said Serbia has clinched the next round. Can Erik Spoelstra ask them to rest Nikola Jovic to prevent injury? – Bob.
A: He could, but assuredly won’t. Now, if Nikola Jovic was hurting, it might be a different story, just as it was with Bogdan Bogdanovic’s hamstring injury Saturday for Serbia that now has him out the balance of the tournament. I would think, to a degree, the Serbia coaching staff won’t overstress their leading men the balance of this opening round. But you also want to maximize your matchup in the Round of 16, when the knockout round begins at EuroBasket. Based on Nikola Jovic’s passive play on Saturday, a bounce-back game might best serve him, Serbia, and perhaps even those with Heat anxiety over Nikola’s inconsistent play. As it is, with Bogdanovic’s injury, more will be needed from Jovic.
Q: It’s nice Pelle Larsson gets to develop confidence being the leading player for Sweden. That should make him less passive when he’s back in Miami. – Steve.
A: The one thing Pelle Larsson seemingly doesn’t lack is confidence. If anything, some of that aggression might need to be tamped down if he envisions a greater Heat role. But, yes, almost every time he is in action there is another moment or two or more that intrigues. In some ways, he reminds of the second-round success story the Heat had with Josh Richardson.