ASK IRA: Are the Heat already set with their power rotation?
Q: Ira, I am all in for waiting however long it takes to finally acquire Damian Lillard, but I’m afraid we are going to miss out on signing Christian Wood, who would be the perfect complement next to Bam Adebayo. Wouldn’t it be prudent to sign Wood now and then unload salary after acquiring Dame? – Greg, Jacksonville.
A: While I can appreciate wanting more and wanting it now, patience also is required. The Heat already have Bam Adebayo, Thomas Bryant, Kevin Love and Orlando Robinson under contract in their power rotation. So if the Trail Blazers insist that a team take on Jusuf Nurkic in any trade for Damian Lillard, then that would make it five options in the power rotation. And that doesn’t even get into the reality of Erik Spoelstra often playing small with a Caleb Martin or Jimmy Butler type at power forward. Now, if it’s an ultimate bargain player, say a Kelly Oubre coming available at the minimum, then you might move forward with a signing. Otherwise, the Heat already have 13 of the 15 slots on their standard roster handled, with ample young options to be taken into those final two slots if needed or warranted.
Q: Hey Ira, with the Heat putting all their eggs in the Damian Lillard basket, isn’t there a risk of losing out at the end? – Aviv, Miami.
A: Maybe I’m being pollyannaish, but I don’t see it that way. As it is, the Heat can roll out a starting lineup of, say, Bam Adebayo, Kevin Love, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry, and still have in reserve Caleb Martin, Josh Richardson, Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith and Thomas Bryant. And that’s not even getting into the youth of Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic.
Q: Can Jamaree Bouyea earn a roster spot? – Ted.
A: He could, but he is more likely to be a candidate for the type of two-way spot he currently holds. At the end of the day, unless the Heat lose multiple guards in a trade for Damia Lillard, it likely will be an either/or decision, if that, as to whether Jamaree or Dru Smith remain with the team for the regular season.