Q: As preseason approaches, I’ve noticed more discussion about Nikola Jovic starting and Kel’el Ware coming off the bench. I think that besides making the playoffs, one of Erik Spoelstra’s goals is to see if Ware, Bam Adebayo and Niko can be the Heat’s future frontcourt, although probably a year or two away. Short of getting another big before the trading deadline, my hope would be that Vlad Goldin can provide around eight minutes a game as Ware’s backup. This would minimize Bam playing center while playing Niko to his strengths as a point forward and not needing him to play center. It will be interesting to watch Spo mix and match his rotations as he evaluates his many possible lineups. – Michael, Boynton Beach.
A: First, don’t overstate such outside discussion. No offense, but none of that matters. What does matter is that the Heat see decided value in Nikola Jovic as a sixth man, for the spark he can provide. That doesn’t mean he has to play center, or even as a backup center, but that rather the minutes for Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo will be staggered for one of the two to play as the de facto center. While Bam’s preference is to play as a power forward, he certainly appreciates that just about every NBA big at some point in a game plays at center. As for Vlad Goldin, he does not appear to be an everyday option, at this point in his development, as a backup center. And remember that two-way players such as Vlad can only be on the game-night roster 50 times for the season. Also, in a league that plays a lot of smallball, I’m not sure that getting to an opening frontcourt of Kel’el, Bam and Nikola could prove viable as a routine approach.
Q: I think people are getting too hyped on EuroBasket, but this tournament has three top 10 players playing in it. – Ryan.
A: Disagree. EuroBasket is about far more than Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. For the leading nations, those moving on to the knockout stage, these are quality rosters, providing a higher level of competition than NBA summer league or even some of what will be on the court during the NBA preseason. These are quality opportunities to get better and be better.
Q: Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson, can they bring it every night? – Troy.
A: That comes down to your definition of what “every night” entails. Can Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson be leading men every night? Likely not yet. But can they be contributors every night? It’s looking more and more that way, based on their showings at EuroBasket.