ASK IRA: Do the Heat have a definitive preferred lineup when completely healthy?
Q: Ira, put all the injuries aside and tell me the lineup that Erik Spoelstra wants to go with. – Eddie.
A: Based on Erik Spoelstra’s decisions when each has been healthy, it appeared that he had settled on Bam Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry as his lineup of choice, a lineup that stands 3-0 this season. Four of those five slots appear set when said players are available. The only question might be at power forward, possibly going with Caleb Martin over Haywood. Ultimately, though, Martin stands as the type of energizer that benefits a second unit, one that can also include Duncan Robinson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kevin Love and perhaps Josh Richardson, if the Heat elect to go 10 deep. Then again complete health has remained an abstract since the start of the season.
Q: I can’t believe I’m saying this now, that the Heat can afford to have Jimmy Butler sit out several more games and let his calf completely heal. This is because of the play of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and especially Butler’s replacement, Jaime Jaquez Jr., with the caveat that they need at least one of Haywood Highsmith, Josh Richardson or Caleb Martin back. – Morgan, New Orleans.
A: It’s not a matter of what the Heat can afford, but rather a matter of when Jimmy Butler is ready to return from his calf strain. The fact that he was upgraded to questionable for Thursday night against the Warriors shows that progress is being made. As for the other three you mention, Haywood Highsmith will be back, no longer on the injury report with the illness that kept him out Monday, with Josh Richardson (back) and Caleb Martin (ankle) both listed as doubtful. One thing we’ve learned about Jimmy by now is that he solely will be the one determining his playing status.
Q: At this point, is Jaiome Jaquez Jr. more untouchable than Tyler Herro, or does it come down to what whale is on the next hook? – Tee, Queens, N.Y.
A: Or it could come down to the Heat taking a step back from the trade market amid the current and potential future success with this mix. As for a trade, it also comes down to what the other side finds most intriguing. So if a team such as the Cavaliers makes Donovan Mitchell available, it will be more of a case of what they seek.