Q: Ira, sum up the preseason. – Steve.
A: Inconclusive – which all along was going to be the likely outcome with Tyler Herro sidelined. At the moment, not only isn’t the offense there (as usual, with the exception of Friday’s defenseless exercise), but the defense does not appear to be its usual stout self. We have yet to see the best of many roster components, including Bam Adebayo (although Friday night was a step in a better direction) and Andrew Wiggins. In fact, outside of Norman Powell’s scoring and Kel’el Ware’s stats, there hasn’t been much to point to in the way of hope (although the rookie flashes from Kasparas Jakucionis were heartening). And here’s the rub: The season-opening schedule is brutal. At this point, the first month could be as much about survival as success. An 0-6 preseason certainly did not boost any confidence.
Q: Ira, as we look at the roster, it’s important to take measure of what’s not happened yet, which is putting your best starting five on the floor. To me, that’s Kel’el Ware, Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Tyler Herro and Nikola Jovic. This is a lineup that can score, rebound and gel as a first unit. Plenty of firepower on the bench, as well, that unlike past years is seven deep in players that can contribute nightly to winning. In far too many games last year, the offense of the starting five did not keep things close, so the second unit was always playing from behind. – Brian, Fort Lauderdale.
A: While it is difficult to predict many things with Erik Spoelstra, I would venture that you will not see Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic on the court at the same time as long as there remains precious little in support in the power rotation on the second unit. Plus, Spoelstra has to figure out a way to sate his abundance of wings.
Q: Erik Spoelstra being named Olympic coach seems like a giant distraction for a team that gets worse and less talented every year. – Harvey.
A: Or a case could be made that without the Heat playing deep into the offseason there will be ample time for preparation for Team USA. But perhaps the hidden story is that by committing to USA Basketball through at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Spoelstra will be coaching the Heat for at least the next three seasons (with every NBA Olympic coach also an active NBA coach). That will mean at least 20 consecutive seasons as the team’s coach.