ASK IRA: Is Haywood Highsmith now an ancillary piece for the Heat?

Q: Haywood Highsmith has shown he is good enough for minutes. What is Erik Spoelstra doing? – Ted.

A: Hinting that Caleb Martin is the current flavor of the moment when it comes to utilizing an undersized power forward. With Nikola Jovic (at least for the moment) starting at power forward, it limits the opportunities in such a role for Caleb and Haywood Highsmith. And while Martin and Highsmith have been utilized in the wing rotation, particularly in defensive roles, those opportunities could become limited when Tyler Herro returns, particularly with Duncan Robinson claiming a stake in the rotation. As if was, not only did Haywood not play Thursday night in Denver, but Delon Wright played only 3:21 – and that was with Josh Richardson out. The swing votes on whether Haywood plays likely come down to: 1. If Jovic remains a starter; 2. If Martin stands as the preferred option; 3. If Robinson remains in the primary rotation. Martin and Highsmith appear to be setting up as either/or, which also could become the case with Wright and Richardson, and that’s if either cracks the rotation. For now, Highsmith also is dealing with a knee issue, which the team listed on the inury report for Saturday’s game.

Q: Ira, in reading your story on Terry Rozier and Erik Spoelstra’s confidence, what happens when Tyler Herro returns. Does this mean no Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the fourth quarter, or will Jimmy Butler be the power forward then? – Paul.

A: As offered above, beyond those locked into the rotation – and closer to the point, those beyond Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier – it well could become situational in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation. The just-completed trip stands as a perfect example when it comes to Jaime Jaquez Jr.. When he is on, as he was in Sacramento, he plays, and he plays a lot. And when he is off, as he was in Denver, then Rozier steps in as an alternate creator. Of course all of it could come down to how dynamic Tyler Herro is up on his return, since he has a history as Heat closer, as well.

Q: Thursday definitely was a reality check. It felt like a heavyweight fight with the champ, sensing he was ahead on points throughout the bout, the challenger making some good runs at times, but the champ for the most part feeling in control of the situation.  Good road trip though. – Douglas.

A: The Denver Nuggets were better than the Heat last June, they were better on Thursday night, and that was with Jamal Murray missing the second half. Of course, the Heat didn’t have Tyler Herro and Kevin Love, and that matters, too. What is clear now, as it was in June, is that a championship will require another level for the Heat.