Q: Tyler Herro has been playing great since entering the starting lineup. To be honest, when healthy he plays very well (offensively) no matter where he is. But my question is: When Norman Powell comes back, what do you think Erik Spoelstra will do? I notice that nobody ever calls for any players aside from Herro to return from injury by coming off the bench, but I believe that to be just his polarizing nature. But the truth is the man can score and is our best offensive player and deserves to start. And I’d argue he and Norman would be even more dynamic together because defenses would not be able to double-team even if it’s just for a few minutes before others enter. So my vote would be to bring Davion Mitchell off the bench, which is where an energy player such as himself would still thrive. What say you? – Adam, Plantation.
A: The first thing I’d say is that whenever we get into these debates, seemingly someone goes down and renders the discussion moot, with Andrew Wiggins the latest to miss time. But I agree that we simply have to see Tyler and Norman together before the postseason to see what does or does not work. Better to learn now. Plus, in a 48-minute game, there will be plenty of time to stagger the two. So when Norm returns, start both, get quickly into the rotations, and everyone should be happy, even if Davion has to spend the first few minutes looking on.
Q: Best win of the season? – Ed.
A: I guess that comes down to whether you truly believe in the Hornets, or whether they are what their 32-32 record at the moment says they are. So I’d go with the wins over the Thunder and Pistons and Nuggets and Rocket and Knicks and Rockets ahead of this one. But also do not discount knocking off the hottest team in the league on Friday night, doing it on the second night of a back-to-back against a rested opponent, and doing it without Norman Powell or Andrew Wiggins.
Q: Kel’el Ware played 31 minutes and we won. What does that tell you about how much he should play? – Andy.
A: I’ll do you one better. Kel’el Ware played all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter in a tight, critical matchup. That’s what matters most. And he blocked four shots in those fourth-quarter minutes. That, more than total minutes played, or even who starts, is what matters. Friday night, at crunch time, Kel’el Ware mattered.