Q: Ira, like the move with Kel’el Ware back into the starting lineup, but Erik Spoelstra is still one move away. Start Nikola Jovic, too. It might not work, but how will we know? Andrew Wiggins doesn’t deliver enough. – Avi.
A: The issue with the current roster construct is that such a starting lineup basically would mean exposing your entire available power rotation to foul trouble from the outset. Plus, it’s not as if Erik Spoelstra and the coaching staff don’t explore anything and everything during training camp and practices. Plus, with the second unit, Nikola can have the ball in his hands more often and utilize more of his creativity while playing alongside Dru Smith at point guard. Plus, without Andrew Wiggins, you are limited defensively on the perimeter. When you only have three full-time true power players (with all due respect to two-way player Vlad Goldin), you need to have something in reserve. And, again, it’s not about getting your best player on the court; it’s about creating your best rotation. That seemed to be accomplished Friday in Memphis. Even Spoelstra acknowledged afterward it was an approach that allowed him to get quality minutes for Adebayo, Jovic, and this time Ware, as well.
Q: Which player currently in the rotation gets left off when Tyler Herro gets back? – Swann.
A: No, no, no not going there. Not after a night like this, after the rout of the Grizzlies. With good players, there’s always room for one more. But one who isn’t going anywhere is Jaime Jaquez Jr., who looks nothing short of revitalized. The real question is whether there is room for Pelle Larsson, who was reduced to mop-up duty on Friday night. But, as Erik Spoelstra often says, there is nothing wrong with having too many good problems.
Q: Ira, so are the Heat going to be short a player until a court case is finalized (sometimes they take a long time to get started and then finished). – Rich, Plantation.
A: Yes, it is possible the Heat will be listing Terry Rozier on the roster and on the injury report as “not with team” the balance of the season. Expediency for the Heat and the team’s roster construction is not exactly a priority for the feds. It will be interesting to see if the NBA at some point offers relief in that regard, as they do with suspended players. But also keep in mind the Heat currently are not in position to add another player without going over the luxury tax. The reality is that Terry likely wasn’t going to play much at all, so it’s not as if a rotation component is missing.