Q: Now it gets interesting for Jimmy Butler, and we get to see if there still is Playoff Jimmy. First he said he didn’t want to play as anyone’s sidekick, then he aligned with Stephen Curry. Now Steph is out for at least a week. – Greg.
A: But also consider that just two years ago, when Tyler Herro missed all but one game of the playoffs, Jimmy Butler was able to lead the Heat to the NBA Finals before they fell against the Nuggets. So it’s not as if we are talking about any type of ancient history. Plus, in this series against Minnesota, Butler and the Warriors already have the advantage of being up 1-0, with Stephen Curry now out for likely the next three games against the Timberwolves. Can Jimmy get it done? It is undeniable that Jimmy lives for such moments. But does he still have enough left to get it done? That not only is a question for Golden State, but one that could resonate all the way back to Miami, considering one of the two (the Warriors) were willing to extend him for two years at over $100 million, while the other (the Heat) wasn’t. In other words, a referendum is at hand.
Q: Why are you in such a rush to trade Nikola Jovic? – Ellison.
A: No rush, or even desire. But the reality is that when it comes to prospects to package in trades, the Heat do not necessarily have the quantity as previously thought. Basically, when it comes to prospects who could be served up as sweeteners for a trade, there are Nikola Jovic and Kel’el Ware and that’s basically it. So if Nikola has made himself attractive enough to draw the attention of a potential trade partner, then all the better – not necessary so that he will be dealt, but rather that he could at least get the Heat to a trade table.
Q: How is Cleveland making us look now? – Michael.
A: Like the 37-45 and 10th-place team that the Heat were at season’s end. Not only did the Cavaliers finish 27 games ahead of the Heat in the standings, but the Pacers finished 13 games ahead. The Heat taking pride in becoming the first 10th seed to make the playoffs always sounded a bit off, somehow taking pride in being a feisty No. 10. Just as the Cavaliers showed in the first round, the rest of the East playoff field has shown a significant superiority to what the Heat fielded in the playoffs.