Q: Ira, you cannot deny Pascal Siakam makes the Pacers better. And they already were pretty good. How does Pat Riley counter that move? – Donald.
A: By having the Heat be the best version of themselves, as they were in last season’s playoffs. Yes, Indiana added another contributing component, who is a quality fit, in Pascal Siakam, alongside what already is in place with Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, Jalen Smith and Bennedict Mathurin (it is rather remarkable that they had to give up none in the trade with Toronto). But the Pacers also are a group without nearly the playoff pedigree of the Heat’s roster. What it does is make a quality seed that much more of a challenge, when also including the Knicks’ recent upgrade, plus how the Cavaliers have also kept pace in the middle of the East playoff race. If Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia hold their ground, it will be quite the battle for the fourth and final first-round homecourt playoff seed in the East. That said, the Heat, with what is in place, when healthy have as solid a claim as any from the group of themselves and the Pacers, Knicks and Cavaliers.
Q: Your responses sometimes baffle me. Nikola Jovic passes the eye test. He’s been in the system for two years and your long-term prognosis is that he won’t crack the rotation. – Travis, Hampton, Va.
A: That is not what I said. What I said is that while this role of placeholder starter well could continue, I do not see, at this stage of his career, Nikola Jovic being a playoff starter. Now, perhaps Erik Spoelstra sees it another way. But when it comes to opponents having time to scheme for the playoffs, I think Spoelstra will opt for someone a bit more playoff proven. Now, could Nikola eventually crack that level of rotation? Certainly, just not so sure at age 20.
Q: All I can think about watching Wednesday night’s game is the Rex Chapman game for the post-trade Heat against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. That, back then, was an enjoyable game. Congrats to the Raptors for showing up and playing. – Steven.
A: Which sometimes is how it goes with a shorthanded, nothing-to-lose opponent. This wasn’t quite RJ Barrett playing the role of Rex Chapman, but these moments happen over the course of 82. Now, it becomes about a bounceback at home Friday against the Hawks.