Q: Ira, we know that whenever Tyler Herro comes back, it won’t be for the opener. This is when Erik Spoelstra should stop fooling around with the rotation and get this team ready. We’re less than two weeks away. – Brian.
A: First, I’m not sure Erik Spoelstra ever is “fooling around” when it comes to basketball decisions. Second, with an exhibition road back-to-back in Orlando on Sunday and Atlanta on Monday, I doubt he would want to push his rotation players with heavy minutes on both nights. So one of the nights, you are likely to see those who soon will be in the uniform of the G League Sioux Falls Skyforce. Besides, by now it has become somewhat apparent that Nikola Jovic will be starting in place of Kel’el Ware, provided he is recovered from the back issue that has him out these next two exhibitions. So basically, the lone spot in the starting lineup in question for opening night on Oct. 22 in Orlando would be who will be starting alongside Jovic, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell in Tyler Herro’s absence. And that could come down to how quickly Davion Mitchell can get up to speed after missing the first half of the preseason. Otherwise, Dru Smith could be the choice.
Q: Hi, Ira. I feel like the fanbase is trying to treat Kel’el Ware with kid gloves a bit. The head coach’s job is specifically to motivate and help players become their best selves. Erik Spoelstra did the same thing with Davion Mitchell last season and continues to still push Nikola Jovic to rebound more. Ware is a grown man and should be able to handle criticism from his boss just like any of us. – Eddie.
A: And Kel’el Ware has done just that, responding each of the times Erik Spoelstra has demanded a response. But at some point, the effort should be there without the demand. That is when Kel’el will take his next step. The NBA is an every-night league, at least for those still on their way up. At 21, that seemingly is a lesson that still needs to be seized by Kel’el.
Q: Does a really bad start with Tyler Herro sidelined change the direction of this team? Would we trade a piece and do a full rebuild midseason? Can the direction of the team change mid season? – Kris, Oceanside, Calif.
A: That has been the Heat approach in the past, most notably in 2007-08, when it became clear it was becoming an injury-riddled road to nowhere. But it will be interesting to see the Heat’s perspective on what entails a bad start, considering the opening stretch of the season is brutal. Based on the schedule, the Heat likely will be underdogs in at least nine of their first 12 games. And that likely would have been the case even with a healthy Tyler. So there clearly will be a degree of latitude before any type of desperation sets in.