ASK IRA: Have smaller, substantive moves eluded Heat in NBA free agency?
Q: Ira, Eric Gordon would have been perfect for us, and Pat Riley had gone after him for years. See, players are looking at the Suns as contenders, and not us. – Larry.
A: You certainly could argue that Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are an enticing trio to complement. But players also chased success alongside Durant in Brooklyn, and how did that go? Also, there are ancillary aspects to such decisions, including friendships with players, and location. For example, Kyle Lowry wanted to come to Miami because of Jimmy Butler. Similarly, Damian Lillard finds the Heat attractive because of Bam Adebayo. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The Heat have had ample prospects over the years agreeing to come aboard for less than market value.
Q: The Heat are losers in free agency again. – Daniel.
A: First, nothing can be determined this early in the process, particularly amid the waiting game with Damian Lillard. But even then, to me the teams that are beyond the curve in free agency are not the ones that actively take risks in seeking the best and brightest, but rather the teams such as the Bulls who seemingly are content to muddle along in the middle.
Q: What do you think of the Orlando Robinson contract? – Franklin.
A: I actually did a double take with this question, because typically such questions have included the name “Duncan” ahead of the “Robinson.” I like it a lot, taking a low-cost, low-risk look at a player who might be able to help at the back end of the rotation. It is similar to the deal the Heat signed with Haywood Highsmith. If a player on that scale impacts even two or three victories, then it is money well risked. (Which certainly makes it different from the Duncan Robinson contract.)