Q: Why are we talking about giving Tyler Herro an extension, if he still has two years left on his current contract? The Heat need to see if Herro can remain injury free for the next two seasons after he returns from his recent surgery. They also need to see if Herro can play as a perennial All-Star and at a possible All-NBA level. They already made the mistake of extending and paying Bam Adebayo $50 million dollars a year for a player who is offensively challenged. Because they overpaid for Adebayo by $10 million to $15 million dollars, they don’t have the available cap space to sign another needed veteran frontcourt player. The Heat can’t afford to tie up so much money on two players, Herro and Adebayo, that they can’t bring in proven veterans that would help the team’s future. – David, Fort Lauderdale.
A: I agree that you don’t lock in a roster that isn’t a championship contender. In theory, what the Heat did with Bam Adebayo should not impact what is done with Tyler Herro. But it does. Because it has to. Because this is a salary-cap league. So, yes, the Heat taking a pause with Tyler would appear to make the most sense. Yes, it could wind up costing more next summer. But if it does cost more, it will be because Tyler’s play and presence made it cost more. There is nothing wrong with doing right by your players when you are winning. But when you are coming off three consecutive trips to the play-in round, treading lightly would appear to make the most sense. It’s not personal; it’s business.
Q: Terry Rozier, because he is a veteran, has the best chance to have a comeback year, in my opinion. He knows this league and it’s not like the guys you speak of have proven anything in this league to date. Jaime Jaquez Jr. had a terrible sophomore year and Pelle Larsson is a Heat project, with all due respect. – Douglas.
A: Which brings the debate back to whether the Heat should be living in the moment or living for the future. Say, for example, Terry Rozier does add some pop to the offense in the absence of Tyler and say the Heat go from a 37-win team to a 41-41 team. Does that trump the potential long-term gain of getting Jaime Jaquez Jr. back on track or fully exploring the possibilities with Pelle Larsson? Win now or set up the future? That will be a key decision regarding the Heat’s approach amid Tyler Herro’s injury absence. Even if Terry regains his footing, it remains unlikely he would be back after his contract expires at season’s end. With Jaime and Pelle, there is the potential of a Heat future.
Q: If Vlad Goldin can provide some backup minutes, it would minimize using Bam Adebayo as a center Yes, this probably is wishful dreaming but isn’t that the role of a fan at preseason? – Michael, Boynton Beach.
A: At the moment, playing time of consequence for Vlad Goldin is wishful thinking to the degree that the Heat felt the need to add Precious Achiuwa amid luxury-tax concerns. It will take a unique team approach to maximize Vlad’s potential That takes time,