Q: I’m fine with Kel’el Ware not starting, as it makes our rotations way more clear and gives us more options in general – Jonah.
A: There certainly is merit to potentially having Nikola Jovic as a starter amid the absence of Tyler Herro, with Jovic able to add the playmaking and shooting lost with Tyler’s absence. But there also is the question of what do the Heat want Kel’el Ware to be and who do they think he is. If they believe he is the needed complement to Bam Adebayo and if they believe he is their starting center of the future, then why put that on hold? Yes, Kel’el should not be gifted a starting role. And if he plays in the preseason like he did at the start of summer league, then he would be making the Heat’s decision for them. But if the consensus is this will be somewhat of a middling season, then what better time for an extended run with an approach that can become the team’s future? Yes, Nikola as a starter might be better in the short term with Tyler out. But doesn’t the long view have to carry weight, as well?
Q: Not having a closer last season led to fourth-quarter blown leads. Without Tyler Herro, they won’t have any leads into the fourth. So that’s one less thing to contend with. – Bryan.
A: And that certainly might be true. But amid Tyler Herro’s absence, this also can be a time to see who also can play as closer, since this likely won’t be Tyler’s only absence this season, and since foul trouble for Tyler still could require a Plan B. So Norman Powell as closer, as he was at times with the Clippers? Andrew Wiggins stepping up for more? Or the reality that Terry Rozier arguably has been cast more often in that position among the Heat’s current available wings.
Q: If Terry Rozier shows that last year was an aberration, then maybe he has trade value near the deadline. A playoff team in need of offense might actually give the Heat something for him, since his expiring contract would not be a burden past this season. A second-round pick in the future isn’t much, but better than nothing. – Howard, Hallandale Beach.
A: What will be needed in that regard, even more than a Terry Rozier revival, is definitive word that the federal gambling probe is over, at least when it comes to Terry. That, more than anything, also is the reason Malik Beasley remains unsigned.