Q: Ira, the NBA is telling the Heat they can’t play Terry Rozier. They are telling them he has to remain on their salary cap. They are telling them he still needs to be getting paid. Meanwhile my friend, we have a season going on here. During games, the NBA makes a review, and then keeps playing. They need to speed up this review. – Andrew.
A: Except this is not the NBA’s review, nor, in a very literal way, is the NBA positioned to play judge and jury. This is a federal gambling case that will have to wind its way through the courts, a process that could remain in motion well after Terry Rozier’s contract expires after this season. But the NBA also has an exit ramp when it comes to Rozier. While it arbitrarily cannot stop having his salary paid (the union would have a field day with innocent until proven guilty), the league could remove Rozier from the Heat’s books in the interim, so the Heat can get the reset with their salary cap and luxury cap that otherwise might not arrive in time. (Figure on the union signing off on that, because with Rozier off the Heat’s cap, it would afford the ability for another union member – or two – to sign on with the Heat.) Yes, this all is going down in real time. Understood. But unique situations call for unique solutions. So Rozier gets his salary until potentially banned, but the Heat in the interim can operate like the 29 other teams when it comes to clarity with their cap and tax sheets.
Q: Ira, as a sports fan, I watch sports for entertainment. Whether the team wins a championship isn’t as important as how they play, although a championship would be fun. The last two Heat games were very enjoyable. So if they continue on like this, even if finishing at 500, would be fine with me. – Rich Plantation.
A: Agree. The Heat are fun at the moment. Whether they will be winners still needs to be determined. But there is absolutely, as a sports fan, nothing wrong with living in the moment. You pay for tickets on a game-by-game basis, so there is no reason not to live in the moments.
Q: Impressive, fun to watch. Organized chaos. Now I’m excited for Sunday to get here. – Douglas.
A: Which could be a fascinating study, considering the Knicks also are attempting to play at pace. Looks like a good night to take the over, although perhaps such considerations should be put aside at the moment.