Q: Ira, throw away the games against the Jazz and Suns. Utah was without Lauri Markkanen and Phoenix without Devin Booker. Name me one good win on that trip, homer boy. – Vince.
A: Actually, the name is Homer Simpson (D’oh!). As for the Heat’s 3-2 trip having nominal value because of the injuries of others, that simply is then glossing over the Heat going the entire trip without Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware, and the final three games without Davion Mitchell. So there was plenty of grit shown, as well. To your greater point, remember that before the trip there was the victory over Oklahoma City (yes, with Jalen Williams sidelined during that game). But, yes, the wins on the trip (Kings, Jazz, shorthanded Suns, who also were without Jalen Green) should not be overstated when it comes to Heat considerations at the trading deadline. This, through it all, remains a team 12-19 against opponents with winning records. That is how you measure yourself. So far the Heat have proven good enough to be a play-in team, likely good enough to be a playoff team, but nobody’s idea of a contender.
Q: The team is fun to watch when they give that effort. The biggest change is the emphasis on crashing the offensive boards. The Heat used to all sprint back on defense after every shot. But now three guys attack the rebounds instead. Nice adjustment by Erik Spoelstra. – Tom.
A: Because sometimes you have to adjust. There were Heat times where anyone but the power players would be admonished for chasing offensive rebounds, with Heat players instead instructed to cover the backcourt on the rise of one of their shooters. Now, a tradeoff has been made almost throughout the league of attempting to increase possessions, even at the risk of allowing fastbreak points the other way. As with most aspects, adjust or perish.
Q: As captain, Bam Adebayo should tell Erk Spoelstra to recall Vlad Goldin from the Skyforce and to give Kel’el Ware more minutes. But that’s if Bam wants to take on the responsibility of a leader. – Vip.
A: A captain is in charge of the locker room, not coaching or rotation decisions. But it was interesting that by Sunday, every Heat player under team control with the G League Sioux Falls Skyforce was back with the Heat, with the exception of Vlad Goldin. Clearly, the belief is that Vlad needs seasoning more than sitting on the Heat bench. The Heat survived the trip with Nikola Jovic somewhat capably handling the responsibilities at backup center, with the thought that Kel’el returns soon from his hamstring strain.