Q: No question, Kel’el ware continues to disappoint. – Rich, Deerfield Beach.
A: First this is not the offensive approach the Heat had in mind when Kel’el Ware was taken No. 15 out of Indiana in 2024. In fact, it is one that will require those with games based in halfcourt sets to adjust, with Andrew Wiggins taking a step forward in that regard against the Hornets on Tuesday night and even Bam Adebayo acknowledging a new learning curve (while also willing to adjust, and still putting up numbers). As for Kel’el, he was -14 in his minutes on Tuesday night, which is hard to do in a 27-point victory. Kel’el also was -1 in Sunday’s victory over the Knicks and minus-2 in the loss in Orlando. But also keep in mind that at 21 there is more of a learning curve than with veterans such as Wiggins and Adebayo. You can’t start a season with a call for Kel’el to start or at least get more playing time and then turn it the other way when the play is uneven. Thursday against the Spurs might stand as the season’s first true test, against the length and height of Victor Wembanyama.
Q: Ira, unlike previous seasons, I now can’t wait for Erik Spoelstra to put in the second teamers. That is when the fun starts. I apologize to Jaime Jaquez Jr. Previously I was hoping we would trade him. Now he has become the leader of the second unit and one of the most valuable players on the team. It seems like we finally have on-court leaders like Norm Powell with the first unit and Jaime with the second unit. It’s only four games, but it looks like we could have a successful season. – Rich, Plantation.
A: Yes, but as you note, only four games. But this rotation certainly has produced ample twists and turns with an energizing second unit. So enjoy it while it lasts, because who knows how long it lasts? But it does appear as if the Heat have the right people in the right places.
Q: So the NBA believes there is enough there to place Terry Rozier on indefinite leave, but not enough there to remove his salary from the Heat’s books? The idea that the NBA needs to allow things to play out legally before making any decisions on his salary rings kind of hollow when they didn’t see the need to allow things to play out before telling him he wasn’t allowed to play. Make it make sense. – Aram, Raleigh, N.C.
A: Which is why Wednesday’s move of having Terry Rozier’s salary placed in escrow is an encouraging first step when it comes to the Heat’s salary cap, luxury tax and perhaps even roster configuration. The NBA with that move acknowledged it can’t simply sit back and let the federal gambling case play out in the courts, not when the cap, tax and roster limits are all real-time matters. Expect the Heat soon to get some sort of league relief, be it with the cap or the ability to add another player to the roster without financial (cap/tax) penalty.