Q: Ira, it’s interesting that Pelle Larsson averaged 19.8 points, Simone Fontecchio 15.6 and Nikola Jovic 11.4 in group play at EuroBasket when Jovic is the only one of the three guaranteed to be a rotation player. – Sam.

A: Actually not, and a case could even be made that those numbers are heartening with Nikola Jovic, in regards to his playing as a supporting player for Serbia in a role similar to what is expected with the Heat. If Nikola can complement Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and other Heat scorers, then he will be meeting his 2025-26 Heat mandate. Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio, by contrast, are playing lead roles respectively for Sweden and Italy, roles that they assuredly won’t be playing for the Heat. With Larsson, it’s all about being part of a support system (see below). For Fontecchio, it’s about adding streak shooting when required.

Q: Hi, Ira. I’m starting to fall for the promise of the young talent on the team, but is this not a fool’s errand? It’s not like we don’t know who Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic or Pelle Larsson are. Sure, having a more capable supporting cast is a plus. But unless Bam Adebayo finally becomes a consistent offensive presence, or unless Tyler Herro becomes Dwyane Wade 2.0, the team won’t reach the next level. And by next level, I mean contend for a championship, not the playoff/play-in debate – that’s a boring one.  – Alejandro, New York.

A: First, to your last point, you are correct. What the Heat have assembled is a solid support system. But you need something to support. Bam Adebayo continues more as a beta than alpha, which is why he has performed so well with USA Basketball, where others can play the leading roles. Tyler Herro is not going to become Dwyane Wade 2.0, because that is  an entirely different level. As for your thoughts about a “fool’s errand” with the expectations of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson, each is young enough to get better. In fact, it is incumbent on them to get better. All have shown the capabilities, even with their ups and downs, to be better.

Q: Your recent comment about the potential Heat rotation left out the roster deficiency at backup center, isn’t it likely that Vladislav Goldin could play 10 to 12 minutes per game to rest Bam Adebayo?  – Kyle, Coral Springs.

A: I still believe a veteran big man will be added at some point, with Vlad Goldin still very much a developmental project on his two-way contract.