Was rout of Chicago Bulls a step forward for Miami Heat?

Q: Ira, how does a team bottle this? Sunday showed so many good things. So now undefeated in February? – Sam.

A: Well, yes, so far undefeated in February. Going undefeated in February? A deep breath please. The Bulls are not good. And without Josh Giddey they are very not good. As with any individual game, perspective is needed. The reality is the Heat should have taken all three from Chicago. Another reality is their last four victories have included the two against Chicago, one against a Suns team lacking Devin Booker, and one against a Jazz team needing to lose due to draft-pick protections. So, yes, enjoy Sunday for what it was. But consistency very much remains an abstract along this ride.

Q: Pelle Larsson is a keeper. – Rodney.

A: Sure. But only to a degree. You can’t get too caught up in elite role players in a league where it’s all about superstars. Put it this way, you can’t make a Pelle Larsson a make-or-break piece when it comes to the opportunity to trade for an elite player in the Giannis Antetokounmpo class. Yes, the last two games have been impressive. And there very much is a place for the savvy Swede in this rotation if not in this starting lineup. But if he can close a Giannis deal, well, then, thank you for your service.

Q: Two All-Star Weekend questions: What are the odds Bam Adebayo could be selected to replace Giannis? He’s really come on offensively, and he’s an elite defensive presence. Should Pelle Larsson have been chosen for the Rising Stars game? He’s been a really nice surprise this season.  – Ruben.

A: Typically, the NBA prefers to get as many teams as possible represented at All-Star Weekend, so the Magic’s Paolo Banchero or even the Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. well could receive consideration. Plus, with the convoluted USA vs. World approach, conferences might not even matter when Adam Silver selects replacements for injured players. As for the Rising Stars, Pelle Larsson could make plenty of sense as an injury replacement, particularly with the NBA’s preference of featuring international players.