Q: So the Heat are keeping Kel’el Ware to show that Bam Adebayo is the featured attraction? How petty. – Walt.
A: The amount of conspiracy theories regarding the Heat in recent days seemingly is out of control, which also is not unusual with the Feb. 5 NBA trading deadline approaching. First it was the Heat keeping Tyler Herro out so Norman Powell could flourish. Then it was Herro pulling himself out because of perceived blame he was receiving for the Heat’s uneven play. And now this about Kel’el Ware? The reality is in light of the gambling scandals, the NBA’s injury report is highly, highly scrutinized for accuracy. Tyler’s rib issue is real, painful and one that could take considerable time to rebound from. If Kel’el was able to play, he would play, because the Heat need his size in the void of anything close to a true backup center on the roster, as Thursday night’s loss in Portland showed. If the Heat could be playing Tyler and Kel’el, they would. And it’s not as if they are banishing Kel’el with his return to Miami, which will cost him two more games. This is nothing like Jimmy Butler a year ago, when every development was met with a bit of side-eye regarding his own agenda. So, yes, two players ailing, both now back in Miami, all while the spotlight increases with the impending trade deadline.
Q: Did the last-two-minute report say anything about DeMar DeRozan’s flagrant foul. How was he not ejected? They just going to hide from that one? – Izzy.
A: No, because the NBA only issues officiating reports for the final two minutes of close games, which was not the case with Tuesday night’s result in Sacramento. But such fouls are subject to further review, with DeMar DeRozan’s full windup, blow to the head, and seeming intent appeared to meet the criteria for a Flagrant 2 foul and ejection, instead of the Flagrant 1 that was issued. So, yes, there could be further scrutiny in that regard.
Q: So the league is getting tired of Pelle Larsson? – Ted.
A: No, players who don’t want to compete against players who are relentless are getting tired of Pelle Larsson. In a league that at times can put it on cruise control, particularly during the middle of the season, Pelle only know one speed. If that can be annoying to opponents, so be it. And, yes, Pelle took another blow during Thursday night’s loss in Portland, as his hits keep on coming.