Q: Tyler Herro actually is one of the most clutch players I have ever seen, including his off-balance, fadeaway 3-pointer in the fourth quarter on Friday night. I want Tyler Herro taking that shot. – M.H.R.
A: First, even with his 44-point performance and the late-game tying 3-pointer that you cite, appreciate that summer pro-ams, including Friday night’s championship game in Miami, are decidedly a step below even summer league. So perspective please. But to your greater point, since Tyler Herro loaded up on similar shots at the start of last season in NBA games that count, I agree that Tyler continues to get short shrift for his talent level, simply because the Trail Blazers cannot get out of their own way in deciphering trade options for Damian Lillard. As Tyler showed Friday night in a game that featured Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson, Hassan Whiteside and other NBA-level talents, he has a passion for the game that translates to any stage. He deserves better than being cast as some sort of low-level trade chip. Not fair to him. And not fair to his body of work.
Q: Now the Heat want to spend nearly $200 million over four years on a 33-year-old that could turn into another Kyle Lowry? – Taylor, Dania.
A: Based on what Damian Lillard accomplished last season, in arguably the best statistical season of his career, acquiring the Trail Blazers guard hardly would be akin to getting what the Heat received (and didn’t receive) last season from Kyle Lowry. Yes, the price point is high. But when factoring in age, also factor in whether there has been tangible sign of decline. That has not been the case with Damian. He would make the Heat better this season and likely beyond, as well.
Q: I’m not giving up Nikola Jovic; I’ve made that clear, he’s untouchable along with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. For team-building purposes, Jaime Jaquez Jr. now needs to stay, too. I know it sounds crazy and you have to give to get, but I’m keeping him. Portland can kick rocks if they don’t want Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson and whatever we can flip Tyler Herro for. – Swann.
A: I agree it would be preferable to retain a bridge to the future. But that also is where the degree of first-round picks the Heat retain also is critical to any trade package with Portland for Damian Lillard. As much as Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. have potential, the NBA is a league where the greater trade capital remains in the unknown of future draft picks. It will be interesting to see where the Heat draw the line with both prospects and picks.