Q: This is what we’re talking about, Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware playing together, Kasparas Jakucionis ahead of Dru Smith, and not too much of the veterans. – Samson.
A: With it, of course, easier to get to any and every combination when the opposition is the likes of the Nets. So also don’t rush to any conclusions. But, yes, this is the happy medium, Erik Spoelstra able to get the wins he insists on coaching toward, and the front office getting valuable exposure to the possibilities of this roster. But where the younger players involved in the process can’t get too caught up is it coming against tanking opponents. So, yes, a victory Tuesday night, but greater belief will be created against quality opponents, such as the game Friday in Charlotte or Sunday’s home game against the Pistons. Then we’ll get a far greater read on what actually matters and who actually makes a difference going forward.
Q: You know, for a guy like Simone Fontecchio who is supposed to make his living as a 3-pointer shooter, he sure does miss a lot of wide-open 3-pointers. – Doug.
A: And if the Heat do have plans for any degree of postseason success, that could be an issue, with limited high-percentage 3-point options when such baskets might be needed at the ends of close games. It seemingly is setting up as Tyler Herro or bust in such situations, although to his credit, Fontecchio did come around in Tuesday night’s fourth quarter Otherwise, where have you gone Duncan Robinson? (Yes. we know.)
Q: Ira how does Terry Rozier’s money play for the offseason if they waive him or let his contract expire. Is one better than the other? – Bruce.
A: It’s the same both ways, that his contract simply expires, but still leaves the Heat operating above the salary cap, because of other contracts on the books. In similar cases, a team might opt against waiving such a player with an expiring contract, in order to possibly utilize his contract in an offseason sign-and-trade agreement. But the odds of any team signing or trading for Terry Rozier this coming offseason are basically nonexistent.