Q: To compare what the Heat’s players are doing in EuroBasket to the NBA would be like comparing G League stats. Move on, you’re better than that. – Scott.
A: First, as August turns to September, what else exactly is going on in the basketball world (yes, I know there are other concurrent continental FIBA tournaments)? So why not pay attention, just as stats are passed along when Heat players spend time in the G League. Further, any basis of comparison is, well, a basis of comparison – as long as there is perspective, No, Nikola Jovic won’t find himself with the Heat playing off the MVP skills of Serbian teammate Nikola Jokic. No, Pelle Larsson won’t have as expansive a role with the Heat as with the Swedish national team. And, no, Simon Fontecchio won’t be asked to do as much – if asked to do anything – by the Heat as he is with Italy. But this still is a far, far higher level then those summer runs such as Miami’s pro league, or even summer-league games against some players that, frankly, might not even be able to make the cut in the G League.
Q: Ira, when you speak of Kasparas Jakucionis it is of someone perhaps with a role coming off the bench. Wouldn’t he be much better served gaining necessary playing time in the G League? – Barry, Deerfield Beach.
A: It has continually been stressed in this space that in the Heat’s backcourt rotation, Tyler Herro, Norman Powell and Davion Mitchell definitely come first. From there, perhaps even some Pelle Larsson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. But there will be injuries and off nights and foul trouble for others, and that will present opportunity. So, yes, along with seasoning and development in the G League, there also could be a carve out for NBA minutes for Kasparas Jakucionis. There will be ample time ahead of the G League season for Kasparas to make Erik Spoelstra notice him. From there, who knows?
Q: Great answers to some good questions about Terry Rozier. Is it possible that option No. 3 could still be to trade Rozier’s expiring contract as salary filler towards a better player at the trade deadline? – Robert.
A: Absolutely, which is why it made little sense to utilize the stretch provision on Terry Rozier’s contract at Friday’s deadline and why a buyout might not make much sense, either. At $26.6 million, Terry’s salary could wind up in the sweet spot to facilitate a trade. So which is more important: keeping the trade option open, or a Rozier buyout to merely immediately add a 15th player at a minimum salary?