Q: It’s going to be interesting to watch Erik Spoelstra coach a team of mostly superstars in the Olympics and see what that looks like. I think Spo, like Pat Riley, like Phil Jackson, like Gregg Popovich, given the right players can do great things with them. But when given a mediocre team he can resemble a mediocre coach. – Douglas.
A: Although you could make an argument that Erik Spoelstra has actually been given something less than mediocre talent at times. This season, mediocrity could be the ultimate achievement based on what we have seen of the Heat this preseason. As for the Olympics, the world is catching up and Erik might find himself under pressure like no other previous Team USA coach since, say, John Thompson.
Q: I really hope Erik Spoelstra doesn’t think starting Dru Smith is the answer for the other guard position. – Swann.
A: Actually, I could see that being the case in Wednesday night’s season opener in Orlando, if only to maintain continuity for when Tyler Herro returns. That way, Davion Mitchell gets to settle in with the second unit, knowing that Tyler eventually will be joining the starring lineup once recovered from his ankle surgery. In that scenario, Dru Smith could go to first string in the absence of Tyler to third string when Tyler returns. Erik Spoelstra frequently has gone with placeholder starters in the absence of injured players.
Q: We cannot judge this team until it is complete. Preseason means nothing. We do have many really good parts, and once they mesh they could be a sleeper team. – Ruby.
A: While an argument could be made that preseason can be overstated, what cannot be are the Heat’s ongoing problems that carried over from last season, namely an inability to secure timely rebounds and an inability to score. I doubt the Heat can flick a switch and make an instant jump from the bottom of the league in the preseason.