Q: Didn’t the Heat have Dennis Schroder at one point last season. – Tony.
A: Technically, yes. But he was more of a pass through as part of the many-tentacled Jimmy Butler trade that eventually left the Heat with Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell and Kyle Anderson. I’m assuming this came in after Germany won EuroBasket on Sunday, with Dennis named the event’s MVP. On the international level, Dennis has been all that and more, but on the NBA level has never quite found such footing. All things being equal, I believe the Heat would take Davion over Dennis.
Q: I’m all about the hoops and EuroBasket was good hoops. Enjoy your football. – Elon.
A I’m with you (even though I paid attention to both on Sunday). Both Greece-Finland and Turkey-Germany were quality games Sunday to close out EuroBasket. And even with the Heat’s players eliminated earlier in the competition, there was meaning in the tournament for all involved. Nikola Jovic stepped forward as a solid No. 2 option for Serbia. Pelle Larsson showed he is capable of taking on and meeting a challenge with Sweden. And Simone Fontecchio showed with Italy that he remains a potential NBA contributor. It is possible – although not assured – that all three could be Heat rotation players this season.
Q: Ira, two weeks to training camp. How are the Heat going to create a buzz? – Nathan.
A: Not going to lie, that’s the same question I’ve been wondering about. Yes Norman Powell was an intriguing offseason acquisition, but is he a sizzle player? Yes, Kasparas Jakucionis was an intriguing draft pick at No. 20, but will he be more of a developmental prospect, likely to see all the sights in Sioux Falls? This very much will be a team that will have to manufacture sizzle beyond a social-media sizzle reel.