Q: Do you think it would be beneficial for the Heat to lose in the play-in round – especially if trying to win – in that it will be a more jarring wake-up call for the front office? – Michael, Port St. Lucie.
A: First, the Heat will try to win in the play-in round because that’s what players do and that’s what coaches do. But at this point – win in play-in round, lose in play-in round, wind up being bounced around again in the first round of the playoffs – if the message is not clear already to the front office, then something is wrong. This team is not good enough. This core is not good enough. Squeezing into the playoffs, when eight of 15 in each conference advance, is little more than a badge of mediocrity. If there already is not a blueprint of change circulating through the front office, then hope will remain an abstract. It should not take the play-in round for a wakeup call to resonate. No matter when it ends, short of another NBA Finals Hail Mary, change has to be at hand.
Q: Ira, Vegas had the Heat at 37 1/2 wins. At that number, you do no better than the play-in. So why is everyone so shocked? This is who we have been since the start of the season. – Elliott.
A: Correct. But then they tease with the 14-7 start and later the seven-game winning streak, teasing into believing something better. Debate all you want about the teams ahead of the Heat not being better (they are), but in the end, not only does your record say what you are, but so, in many ways, does the initial forecast. It could be – gasp – that the Heat overachieved.
Q: The Heat need a toe doctor on retainer. – Pinga.
A: This came in reference to Andrew Wiggins initially being listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Celtics with the toe ailment that previously had him out nine games. And, yes, toes assuredly have been an issue this season, with Bam Adebayo missing six games in November with a toe sprain and Tyler Herro missing 12 games in December and January with a toe contusion. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can have the biggest impact on a season. But, yes, the Heat do have a team podiatrist.