Q: Ira, is Jaime Jaquez Jr. eligible for Most Improved Player? – Satch.
A: Technically any player is eligible for any award, provided in some cases they appear in enough games. As it was, I did joke with Jaime Jaquez Jr. after the victory over the Knicks about formally announcing his candidacy for Sixth Man of the Year. And that might be the most likely candidacy (yes, appreciating that it is early, very early). As for Most Improved Player, can you be most improved when just two years ago you were playing at such a level when named All-Rookie? Basically, Jaime has gotten back to what he was, basically Most Improved Player for a player who regressed for one season. But we digress. For the moment, enjoy the ride.
Q: Pelle Larsson does just enough when he’s in the game. – Douglas.
A: With Tuesday night another example of Erik Spoelstra preferring not to restructure his entire rotation when a starter is out. So Pelle Larsson comes out of the deep freeze, provides serviceable minutes (actually more than that), and the Heat bench rotation is allowed to remain with the same group that worked so well the first three games. Teams need players like Pelle. Perhaps not every game, but certainly when the moment dictates.
Q: Ira, surely someone or somebody had to know Terry Rozier was damaged goods before the trade was made. Shame on the NBA and the Hornets. Rozier faced an IRS $8 million tax lien. Sure buyers beware, but Miami got taken for a ride. – Rodney, Miami.
A: The abject lesson from the Terry Rozier situation regarding where it has left the Heat against the cap, tax and draft is that teams need to start conducting investigations as thorough with potential trade acquisitions as they do with potential draft picks. Just as teams target draft picks and then conduct due diligence, teams eying players for any period of time ahead of a trade should put in similar scrutiny. Clearly, it is becoming an unfortunate lesson learned.