Q: Ira, let me ask you this: If the team to chase in the East is Indiana, then how far are the Heat from competing? It’s not like we’re chasing greatness like the Warriors were, or even the Celtics with Jayson Tatum or LeBron’s teams. – Ash.
A: This again has become somewhat of a talking point, what with New York firing Tom Thibodeau after making the East finals. But first step back and consider how bad the Heat were this season, from the 37-45 record to the playoff humiliation at the hands of the Cavaliers. The reality check is that the Heat finished 13 games behind the Pacers. As a matter of perspective, that was the same as the spread between No. 2 and No. 10 in the West. In other words, a lot. Yes, Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard will miss most or all of next season due to Achilles tears. Yes, the Cavaliers have to reassess after their own playoff demise. Yes, Tom Thibodeau is out with the Knicks. But there also remains a robust middle in the East, from these fourth-place Pacers to the Magic and Pistons, with their stockpile of lottery youth. If anything, the target for the Heat should be gradual gain.
Q: It is good to see the Knicks fans “acting like” Heat fans (break up the team, get a new coach, this player . . .) after a tough loss. Fans, we love our teams and just want to win. Knicks fans are reinforcing that Heat fans are normal. The Knicks had a great run and have so much to build off of. The Knicks and St. John’s made New York basketball matter again. A big net win. – Stuart.
A: And then the irrational with the Tom Thibodeau move. With the exception of the instant gratification of the Big Three era, each of the Heat’s builds took time, including with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look to get better, only that the Knicks built a roster to suit Thibs’ approach. Now how will the next coach feel about the roster, other than during the interview process, when every candidate can’t get enough of what is in place. As for New York basketball in general, the game typically is in a better place when New York is part of that place.
Q: Ira, I respect what Rick Carlisle has done with the Pacers. I do. But I still can’t get over what he said about the Heat when Dallas won the Finals in 2011. He has been very gracious toward coaches, and saw what he said about Tom Thibodeau, but that comment about the Big Three still bothers me. I wonder if the Heat remember. – Alan.
A: Rick Carlisle saying his Mavericks played the right way in those 2011 Finals was more of a case of praising his own team’s success and unique build. But give the man his flowers with what the Pacers have done these past two seasons. Small-market success is hard without leaning into the lottery, as the Thunder have.