Q: Judging from the response you got from your post about D’Angelo Russell being waived by Memphis, it doesn’t seem there would be much interest from the Heat. – Ed.
A: Yes, typically Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg check social-media replies and keep a running tabulation to see if they should make a move. (Sorry.) The point was not that the Heat should or should not make such a move. They have done years of homework on every player who has spent any time in the league. It’s just that for all the shooting the Heat added in the offseason, with Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bobby Portis Jr. and even Ryan Conwell, they still don’t have that microwave-type scorer who can go on a personal binge when shots aren’t falling elsewhere and when Giannis Antetokounmpo or Bam Adebayo dare to take a break (or when one isn’t available). Now, if you say you sit back and perhaps wait for a Zach LaVine to shake free, fine. But four of the Heat’s first eight games are parts of back-to-back sets, and sometimes you just need some scoring energy.
Q: Personally think it’s wiser to have the insurance big in Nick Richards and continue to develop and invest in Myron Gardner as a young 3-&-D rotation wing that can serve the entire timeline of this build. – M.G.
A: This was in response to mentioning that neither Nick Richards nor Myron Gardner have full guarantees, and therefore there is room to add a free agent at the veteran minimum both now and down the road. But, yes, there also is something to be said about having a veteran big man in reserve in Nick Richards, as well as developing what already is in place in Myron Gardner. But that doesn’t mean that a worthwhile name doesn’t come across the desks of Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg before the start of the regular season.
Q: Why did the Heat sign a tight end from Clemson? – Neil.
A: Actually, Ian Schieffelin was a productive forward for Clemson before his eight-game, minimal-action run as a tight end for the Tigers. Likely, it has plenty to do with Erik Spoelstra’s friendship with Clemson football coach Dabo Sweeney. And truth be told, Ian showed enough during summer league to be offered the courtesy of a G League audition.