Q: I know it’s still the preseason, but should we be hitting the panic button over what we have seen with Klay Thompson? I don’t see how he can be a starting shooting guard with his immobility. – Juan, Fort Lauderdale.
A: First, Klay Thompson has been known to be a slow starter when it comes to the beginning of seasons. But, yes, at 3 of 14 on 3-pointers so far this preseason there certainly could be a degree of concern. Then there is the issue of the Heat playing at a pace that might not necessarily be in the best interests of a 36-year-old. But Erik Spoelstra has made clear he believes the best first five is one that has Klay spacing the floor in that first five. The ultimate tell will be if defenses stop prioritizing him in their coverages. It will be interesting to see, in light of the slow start, whether Klay gets more action Friday in Orlando, or is rested for Wednesday night’s season opener against the Timberwolves at Kaseya Center.
Q: I’m cautiously optimistic Nikola Jovic is finally blossoming. He’s filled out his body, is a decent playmaker and rebounder, and no longer looks lost out there. He also seems to be in the right places both offensively and defensively, and most importantly, his body language shows me a confident player. It seems Bobby Portis has taken Niko under his wing and it shows. Erik Spoelstra is going to have quality options for his rotation night in and night out. – Cheryl, Fort Lauderdale.
A: And because of those options, it will be interesting to see how/if Nikola Jovic is utilized. While he has played minutes in the perimeter rotation this preseason, it would appear he will be squeezed out in that regard once all the wings are available (Pelle Larsson, Dru Smith, etc.). So that leaves the question of whether Erik Spoelstra goes beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and Bobby Portis, in that regard.
Q: Glad Palm Beach is squared away. We deserve the games here. – Howard, Boca Raton.
A: And I’m glad to be able to get back to basketball. Going forward, if there are any issues, including the station’s app, feel free to contact the station My15/WTCN directly.