ASK IRA: Instead of baby steps, is it time for strides from Heat?
Q: To me with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, that is a strong core. And if Victor Oladipo can come back all the way, and Kyle Lowry gets in better shape, we have a pretty solid group for the next few years, and Tyler and Bam for a lot longer. Not to mention Max Strus, Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin coming into their own, as well. Who knows maybe Duncan Robinson will get his confidence and shooting stroke back, as well. Who knows what we may have with Omer Yurtseven and Nicola Jovic, too. — Michael, Weston.
A: Your “ifs” sort of answer your own question. In a best-case scenario, internal improvement likely can more than compensate for the free-agency loss of P.J. Tucker. But there also is the question of gains made elsewhere, starting with the Celtics. So, yes, if regression by the veterans is minimized and growth by the young players is maximized, the resulting mix should stand as good or better than what was in place. But there are a lot of “ifs,” and, without a substantive gain in personnel, therefore a limited margin of error.
Q: Hi, Ira. My question is very simple: Why chase the Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell when we have Victor Oladipo? – Masoud, Tucson, Ariz.
A: Because you still don’t fully know what you have, with Victor Oladipo yet to get back (or have his body get back) to rotation minutes. It very much could work in the Heat’s favor to have this summer’s potential major deals instead become major deals during the season. By then, the Heat will have a better read on what they have in Vic, and the league will have a better read on how he sets up as a trade chip.
Q: Just get Buddy Hield and Myles Turner and call it a day. – Watson.
A: Sure, for multiple draft picks and a promising young prospect, which, with the Heat, means Tyler Herro. Different isn’t always better.
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