Q: Ira, the Heat move on to “the next thing” when they don’t get a player. This summer it was Bradley Beal, then Damian Lillard, and then Jrue Holiday. So who is next? – Danny.
A: I’m not sure anyone is necessarily batting cleanup. I think we are more likely to move into somewhat of a lull, as the Heat sort out their roster and other teams sort out their rosters ahead of the NBA’s Oct. 23 roster cutdown deadline. The next target date from there might be Dec. 15, when most players signed in the offseason become eligible to be put into play for a trade. Similarly, that also is the first day the Heat can trade players signed this summer (such as Josh Richardson, Thomas Bryant, Orlando Robinson, etc.). Beyond that, based on where the Heat stand against the luxury tax, they will be ineligible to add a player on the buyout market who currently is earning more than the league average salary. Such status last season would have prevented them from adding Kevin Love. Of course, there also is the long view, which well could eventually turn to the likes of a Luka Doncic. But that is well, well, well down the road. For now, it likely would be wise to temper expectations to what is in place.
Q: It sounds like R.J. Hampton has the tools and the right mindset. I hope he stays. We will all be rooting for him. – Pipsy.
A: The tools are there, but it will come down to fit with R.J. Hampton. It also could come down to internal competition during the preseason. While the Heat have the option of moving all their camp prospects to their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, such players can be poached by other NBA teams at any time. So while R.J. currently holds a two-way deal, it is possible the Heat decide such a contract is better issued elsewhere. The opportunity for playing time should be there Friday in San Antonio, with most of the Heat rotation players remaining behind.
Q: So TNT is basically airing a summer league game. – Jon.
A: Correct. When it comes to the preseason, caveat emptor. But Friday in San Antonio never was about the Heat. It was about Victor Wembanyama’s preseason home debut. The Heat could field a team of five ball boys and it still would be perceived as event programming.