Q: Ira, watching the Panthers I can’t help but think that they are who the Heat want to be. So physical and persistent, knowing how to maximize the talent at the top of the roster and find the right talent to complement. They’re the Culture in town now. – Theo.
A: Agree. It’s almost as if you can take the Heat’s mantra of “hardest-working, best-conditioned, most-professional, unselfish, toughest, nastiest” and color it in red at the moment. Just two years ago, each team was in its respective championship series. Since then, the Heat have won a single playoff game, while the Panthers have one Stanley Cup and could be headed for another. Sustaining excellence in sports is incredibly difficult. But the Panthers have benefited from a consistent buy-in at the top of the roster. The Heat, by contrast, had to endure Jimmy Butler’s self absorption. But, yes, so many of the Panthers’ current qualities are what the Heat have attempted to preach for the three decades under Pat Riley. Perhaps he should bang the drum for Game 3.
Q: Since we have only four players from our last finals team just two years ago and no Jimmy Butler, our entire team structure is a mess. Shouldn’t Erik Spoelstra deviate from the “formula” and devise an offense which utilizes the players we actually have? – Mitchell.
A: Which is exactly what he tried last season, when the Heat entered with somewhat of a five-out approach to feature 3-point shooting by Bam Adebayo and plenty of offense from Terry Rozier, along with an elimination of midrange attempts from Tyler Herro. And then Bam’s 3-pointer wasn’t there at the start of the season. And then Terry wasn’t there at any point of the season. And then the offense reached a stage where any Herro baskets were needed, even two-point attempts. So what Erik Spoelstra needs, even more than a formula, is players who can score. Without enough scorers, you’re not going to score. Pretty basic.
Q: The Heat admittedly said changes are due for next year, but as a fan of over 30 years there are a few things I hope they keep in place. Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware and add to that. I just have this feeling that Ware is going to come back for season two and have a really good year. Mark it. – Douglas.
A: Which is all well and good. But in order to get something, you have to give something. Keep those three and there aren’t many (if any) mechanisms for major change, with all due respect to Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier, plus this year’s No. 20 pick.