Q: Ira, who do the Heat enjoy seeing losing more, the Knicks or Jimmy Butler? – Sammie.
A: Well, first I’m not so sure either case is petty enough to command much of their focus, in light of their own travails. But I’m sure recency bias would assuredly lean toward Jimmy Butler being home watching at the moment. There simply is not much in the way of a rivalry with the Knicks in recent seasons, at least not like there was decades ago. Now, if the Heat overcome their struggles against the Pacers and advance to the NBA Finals, then perhaps some of that Knicks animus returns. As it is, those arguing the notion of Jalen Brunson, with a title, becoming the greatest Knick ever – get over the recency bias. Two words for you: Walt. Frazier. A Hall of Fame two-way player, with the emphasis on the two-way aspect.
Q: Ira, I look at scoring guards who can’t defend and wonder what they’ve ever done. I’m talking about Tyler Herro, Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, even Donovan Mitchell or James Harden in the playoffs. What have they done? – Anderson.
A: First, let’s look at what you’ve done, by cherry picking a subset of guards to establish your premise (looking beyond even the fact that James Harden and Tyler Herro have gotten to the NBA Finals and Young to the conference finals. The NBA is replete with scoring guards (both shooting and point) of questionable defensive stature, starting with a guy named Stephen Curry and continuing with players such as Kyrie Irving, Jalen Brunson and Damian Lillard. If those players are taking the right shots, have the right support on both ends of the court, it can work out quite well. When it comes to scoring guards it’s all about the fit. (Although I’m not sure LeMelo Ball, at least yet, belongs in the group you otherwise cite.)
Q: Acquiring a star through free agency/trades is no longer a viable Heat option. Looking at the Heat and the All-NBA list, previous builds always had multiple stars, Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade, Wade and LeBron James. You have to be able to get two stars at a time, in the last 10 years we’ve only got one. Get Adam Simon as many picks as you can and let him work. – John, Ocala.
A: But that just isn’t the case. As a matter of fact, it’s the opposite. Of the 15 players named All-NBA on Friday, seven were acquired in trades, including both of the Knicks’ selections (Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns). Granted, several of the All-NBA selections who were acquired in trades arrived in packages for draft choices. But this still is about more than just the draft. That is just, and remains, one of the components of team building. So there not only is a place for Adam Simon in the process, but also Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg. It takes a rebuilding village.