ASK IRA: Do the Heat need a big-minutes test run with Victor Oladipo?
Q: Do you anticipate a jump in Victor Oladipo’s minutes before the playoffs to test his durability and fit with multiple lineups? — Al, Kendall.
A: It certainly is possible, but it hardly is trending in that direction, with Victor Oladipo first given the second night of a back-to-back off for rest, and then this latest setback with back spasms. Beyond that, it’s not as if Erik Spoelstra has to move to such a direction, considering Caleb Martin already is back and Spoelstra has a rotation he still has to whittled from 10 deep. But if Spoelstra does want to go “big” with Oladipo minutes, perhaps it will come during one of the two remaining back-to-back sets, while others sit out. Still, without mixing Victor in with the regulars, it’s debatable how valuable such minutes would be.
Q: Was the 2016-17 team a lesson for Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra? With all due respect, championships aren’t built around Caleb Martin, Markieff Morris, Dewayne Dedmon, Victor Oladipo, et al. Dedmon was out of the NBA for a reason. Martin was cut by the Hornets for a reason. Duncan Robinson and Max Strus went undrafted for a reason. Fans get emotionally attached to some players, but championship rosters focus on a few select talented individuals. Rotation players normally have their moments in the sun during the regular season. — Leonard, Cornelius, N.C.
A: But players also evolve. And even the most talented of players need supporting casts. With the Heat already having shown the ability to take a player from Point A to Point B, there certainly remains the possibility of moving on to Point C and beyond. It takes more than lottery picks to build a championship village.
Q: What does Pat Riley turning 77 mean? — Elliot.
A: That a year from now he will be turning 78? There appears to be no indication that Pat Riley is slowing down or wants to slow down. Now, perhaps another championship will create a transition moment. But the respect for the Godfather endures and burns quite brightly.
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