Q: I see we’re really clicking now. – Pipsy.
A: This was in response to Tuesday’s news tidbit that the Heat had acquired the G League rights to former University of Florida player Alex Fudge and had passed on the G League rights elsewhere to Malik Williams and Caleb Martin. And, yes, in the big picture, it is small stuff. But you know what, it also means that Eric Amsler, Adam Simon and the Heat’s G League wing are putting in the work. Because here’s the deal: If you are going to send Kasparas Jakucionis down to Sioux Falls for G League seasoning, you want to have a Skyforce roster that can help develop his skills. So, yes, the small stuff can matter, too.
Q: Any chance the Heat go for Russell Westbrook? – Miles.
A: I would say that the answer to any “any chance?” questions regarding personnel at this point would be unlikely, no matter the player speculated, if simply because the Heat currently do not have enough money below the tax to add a veteran, nor the roster space at the moment to add any player. But since this is mid-September and since this is the calm before the storm, Russell Westbrook would seem a longshot on a team that has Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith and Kasparas Jakucionis at the point, not to mention that Tyler Herro likely will be starting at the position. Plus, the Heat need shooting and Russell Westbrook is considered anything but a shooter.
Q: Thoughts on ESPN power rankings? – Sammie.
A: I’m assuming you mean the ones released Tuesday that have the Heat standing No. 14 in the league when it comes to the team’s three-year outlook. At this point, to be in the top half of the league in anything is encouraging from a Heat perspective. But the reality is their cap situation was clarified with the Jimmy Butler move and their draft situation is better positioned now with just one outstanding pick due (to Charlotte from the Terry Rozier trade). There was a point where the Heat had so much draft capital due, that it was difficult to see better days ahead. Now there appears to be renewed hope.