Q: That’s the confusing thing about this team. OK, Ja Morant was not their thing and no big moves available. But this season-long no backup power forward or center, empty roster spots, bringing in Precious Achiuwa then releasing? They say they want to win now, then at least fill the roster out. – Tom.
A: Agree. I could understand waiting until after the trade deadline, to see if the extra roster spots or space under the tax could be better utilized in a bigger deal. But now that ship has sailed. And, yes, when the roster is whole, there are rotation-level players being forced to sit. But the end of the roster should be utilized in one of two regards, either for an emergency fill-in or developmental players. The only reason you wouldn’t is if you believe a potential rotation contributor could shake free elsewhere by the March 1 buyout deadline (the date players must be released by one team to be playoff-eligible for another). So perhaps the Heat have something brewing there. Otherwise, there seemingly would be strength in numbers.
Q: Great points on Bam Adebayo. In this day and age when guys that he came in the league with and are younger are missing tons of games, the captain is out there, and not only out there but competing at a high level against all teams and that means something in today’s NBA. – Douglas.
A: Kind of crazy to give flowers to a player for simply showing up, but that is where today’s NBA has delivered us. And as Bam Adebayo showed Wednesday night in New Orleans, when asked to do more, he remains capable of doing more.
Q: Simone Fontecchio is more valuable than Nikola Jovic. – Perso.
A: Which says something about what Simone Fontecchio has delivered as the throw-in in the Duncan Robinson deal with Detroit, but also says something about how uneven a ride it has been for Nikola Jovic. That said, the Heat need to find a way after the break to make this work for Niko, if only to either justify the extension or enhance potential trade value.