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Sind Sie sicher, dass Sie Ihre Einstellungen ändern möchten, haben wir einen Gefallen zu bitten Bitte deaktivieren Sie Ihren Anzeigenblocker (oder aktualisieren Sie Ihre Einstellungen, um sicherzustellen, dass Javascript und Cookies aktiviert sind), damit wir Sie weiterhin mit den erstklassigen Marktnachrichten versorgen können Und Daten, die Sie kommen, um von uns erwarten. ASK IRA: Ist Andre Iguodala die beste NBA-Vorlage für Winslow Q: Ira, ich möchte helfen, Klarheit zu Heat Nation. Gerechtigkeit Winslow wird nicht Kawhi Leonard sein. Er wird unsere Version von Andre Iguodala werden - eine NBA-Stelle, die vier Positionen verteidigen kann. Er wird ein OK-Offensive Spieler, sondern bringt Organisation mit seiner Reife und Intellekt. - Marcus, Washington, D. C. A: Ein vernünftiger Vergleich, denke ich, dass die meisten Mannschaften, die an Nr. 10 wählen, umarmen würden. Das ist der Punkt, den ich versucht habe zu machen, dass Sie nicht schreiben, ein Spieler nur, weil er in die NBA kommt ohne ein sicheres Ding Sprung erschossen. Die Hitze erhält, um Zeuge Iguodalas Beiträge aus erster Hand, wenn sie die Krieger am Dienstag Abend Gesicht. Er hat gezeigt, dass, wenn von Talenten umgeben, wie viel von einem Vermögenswert er sein kann, im Gegensatz zu Philadelphia, wenn er gebeten wurde, vielleicht zu viel tun. Nun, ob die Hitze kann mit etwas in der Nähe, was die Krieger umgab Iguodala mit neu laden ist eine andere Geschichte. Senden Sie Ihre Frage Senden Sie Ihre Fragen an Heat Beat Schriftsteller Ira Winderman und überprüfen Sie seine Antworten hier. Füllen Sie mein Online-Formular aus. Senden Sie Ihre Fragen an Heat Beat Schriftsteller Ira Winderman und überprüfen Sie seine Antworten hier. Füllen Sie mein Online-Formular aus. F: Wer schneidet, um einen Platzplan zu eröffnen, damit wir ein paar Spieler zu zehntägigen Verträgen unterzeichnen können - Robert. A: Für den Moment, höchstwahrscheinlich niemand. Dies ist eine Zeit, in der die Hitze könnte ein Jahr Kopf-Start auf der Zwei-Wege-D-League-Verträge, die ins Spiel kommen wird nächste Saison. Das würde, unter all diesen Verletzungen, die Möglichkeiten, Sneak-Vorschau auf die Möglichkeiten von Okaro White oder Briante Weber zu erhalten, ermöglichen. Aber bis zum 23. Februar Trading Dead bleibt es klüger für die Hitze zu halten, auch die auslaufenden Verträge auf der Liste, wenn nur Gehälter zur Verfügung, um in Trades zu verwenden. Es gab Zeiten in früheren Jahreszeiten, wenn die Hitze waren in der Lage, Geschäfte machen, indem die Beträge weit niedriger, dass auch das Mindestgehalt. So, während Derrick Williams und Luke Babbitt weniger für die Zukunft halten können als Perspektiven wie White und Weber, was sie jetzt halten, ist potenziell wertvoller Cap-Raum. Bildunterschrift Spoelstra: Viele bewegliche Teile mit Hitzeschaden Erik Spoelstra sagt, dass wegen der vielen beweglichen Teile nicht das erwartet wird. Erik Spoelstra sagt, dass Straftat nicht wegen der vielen beweglichen Teile erwartet wird. F: Miami muss mit dieser Saison zufrieden sein. Wir verlieren Spiele, aber unsere Anstrengung und Intensität ist immer noch hoch, unsere jungen Spieler (außer Justise Winslow jetzt wegen Verletzung) sind voran. Sein das organische Tanken, das Sie über früh im Jahr sprachen. War das zweitschlechteste Team im NBA nur hinter Brooklyn und der einzige Grund, warum wir nicht niedriger in der Gesamtwertung sind, ist Goran Dragic. Hes ein sehr guter Spieler, kein Superstar. Er macht unser Verbrechen beobachtbar und ich fürchte, ohne ihn können die Spiele unauffällig werden. - Ryan, Hafen St. Lucie. A: Ich werde sagen, dass während fast jedes Spiels die Hitze beobachtbare Momente zur Verfügung gestellt haben (ich weiß, ich weiß, dass8217s etwas von einer Reichweite). Sie haben auch das Versprechen ihrer Jugend gezeigt. Und, wie Sie festgestellt haben, wie Goran Dragic ein Unterschied-Maker in der heutigen NBA bleibt. Dies ist kein Team verlassen auf Spiele. Dies ist ein Team nicht gut genug, um zu gewinnen. Ich weiß, das ist nicht das, was die meisten hören wollen, aber es ist eine unleugbare Realität des NBA-Zyklus des Lebens (mit Ausnahme des San Antonio Spurs Zyklus des NBA-Lebens, obwohl ich mich an die Bob Hill-Ära erinnere). Denken Sie daran, es war nicht all das vor langer Zeit, dass die Kavaliere waren schrecklich, oder sogar die Krieger. Q: Ich verstehe nicht die Philosophie, James Johnson und Tyler Johnson von der Bank zu holen, weil quothow gut sie mit dem zweiten unit. quot arbeiten Ich kann nicht sehen, warum das zählt, wenn das Team fast jedes Spiel verliert. James Johnson ist eindeutig die talentierteste Leistung auf der Rangliste und Tyler Johnson ist wohl der vielseitigste Schützenwächter. Warum nicht sehen, wie wir für eine Weile mit der Vermietung unserer besten Spieler beginnen die Spiele - Aram, Boynton Beach. A: Und dieser Punkt, mit dieser Liste und mit diesen Verletzungen. Ich stimme zu. Es gab einen Punkt, bei dem die Gesamtheit der Rangliste berücksichtigt wurde, dass es sinnvoll war, ein Paar von Torschützen zurückzuhalten, um die zweite Einheit zu tanken. Aber mit all diesen Verletzungen, mit Justise Winslow aus für die Saison, Josh McRoberts Playmaking aus der Gleichung und Josh Richardson nicht besser als Tag für Tag im Moment bin ich einverstanden, dass es sein könnte Zeit, um zu kalibrieren. Mit Dion Kellner, würden Sie immer noch jemanden, der Gäste mit der zweiten Einheit. Das Problem mit Tyler Johnson ist, ob die Hitze mit seinem massiven Vertrag ihn mehr als einen langfristigen Postenwächter betrachtet, in welchem Fall es sinnvoll ist, ihn nicht neben Goran Dragic zu spielen. Und doch, je mehr und mehr Sie von Tyler sehen, es ist klar, er ist ein Schießposten Wächter, egal, was er baut. Hassan Whiteside, James Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Goran Dragic und der Flügel Ihrer Wahl (vielleicht Rodney McGruder für die Verteidigung oder Richardson, wenn er zurückkommt) Warum nicht sein nicht, als ob der Ansatz, der Sie zu 11-28 kam zwangsläufig funktionierte. Q: Sie erinnern sich, als Dwyane Wade und LeBron James für Miami Man das waren die Tage spielten. -- Wille. Ave: Das habe ich in den letzten Tagen viel erlebt, Fragen über die Heat verkaufen ihre Seelen für das, was gefolgt ist (was übrigens lächerlich ist, weil Chris Bosh ist aus dem Spiel aufgrund von Blutgerinnseln und das hat absolut nichts zu Tun mit Personalentscheidungen, aber alles, um mit der Hitze zu tun, die mit 75 Prozent der Gehaltskappe als der Rest der NBA arbeitet.) Setzen Sie es so, würden Sie eher getan haben, was die Falken taten, klettern an die Oberseite des Östlichen Konferenz-Standings, laden Sie ein All-Star-Team, nie über den Hüpfen, und dann haben, um es in die Luft in die Furcht vor freien Agenten abweichen mit nichts im Gegenzug zu erinnern, denn so viel wie es weh tun, verlieren die 2011 NBA Finals an die Mavericks, denken Sie an alles, was sie in der Zwischenzeit ausgehalten haben, wenn die Hitze ging auf eine zusätzliche drei NBA Finals und dann innerhalb eines Sieges der letzten Saison Eastern Conference Finale. F: Wann beginnt Erik Spoelstra die Schuld daran, wie sich dieses Team weiterentwickelt - Justin. A: Wenn Leute wie Doc Rivers und andere NBA-Insider aufhören, ihn dafür zu loben, wie hart sein Team trotz dieser gewonnenen Verlustrekorde weiter konkurriert. Ive hatte drei separate Scouts nur auf dieser Reise sitzen neben mir während der Spiele und loben, dass ein Team mit einer solchen Verletzung-riddled und begrenzte Liste weiterhin hart spielen. Dies wurde nicht gebeten, nur angeboten. Und das sind Menschen, die wissen, wann youre fake die Anstrengung. F: Willie Reed verdient es zu starten. - Leon. A: Und zurück zum Back-up-Ansatz, sind wir, dass jemand anderes besser ist als das, was Sie mit jetzt gegangen sind, wenn Hassan Whiteside nicht bis zum Starter Minuten, wenn seine Konditionierung ist nicht bis zu Geschwindigkeit aufgrund des Mangels Einer einzigen Trainingseinheit mit Teamkollegen nach seiner Augenverletzung am 30. Dezember, das ist eine Sache. Aber Sie haben 98 Millionen über vier Jahreszeiten mit Hassan investiert. Dieses ist nicht wie die zweite Hälfte der regelmäßigen Jahreszeit vor einem Jahr, als Lektionen durch das Starten von Amare Stoudemire angeboten wurden, bevor Whiteside zurück in während der Endspiele zurückging. Als die Hitze das Freie-Engagement für Whiteside unternahm, war es eine totale Verpflichtung, nicht etwas, wovon man abhauen konnte. Zugegeben, Willie Reed bot bewundernswerte Minuten an Stelle von Hassan in den vergangenen vier Spielen. Aber wenn die Hitze nicht gekommen, zu glauben, dass Hassan Whiteside ist wesentlich besser als Willie Reed, dann ist etwas falsch. Ernsthaft falsch. Die gesamte Saison war über Whiteside, Justise Winslow, Tyler Johnson und Josh Richardson auf die nächste Stufe, so dass, wenn die Hitze wieder zu kämpfen, können diese Spieler kämpfende Ebene Spieler. Whiteside hat jedes Spiel begonnen, das er bis zu diesem Punkt gespielt hat. Das sollte sich nicht ändern. Nicht mit dieser Platte. Nicht mit den Schritten, die noch mit seinem Spiel gemacht werden müssen. Q: Wenn die Heats angeblich Preis für Goran Dragic ist zu hoch ist, tun sie wirklich darauf, ihn an diesem Punkt Handel - Dale. A: Sie meinen, weil das Team, das jetzt schuldet zwei potenzielle Lotterie-Picks an die Phoenix Suns hält Dragic in ähnlicher Hinsicht, was die Sonnen Wie ich schrieb letzte Woche in meiner Sonntagssäule, die NBA Scout Ich sprach, sagte es wahrscheinlich sein wird Schwierig für die Hitze zu bekommen, um die Spitze der Lotterie für Dragic, und wenn die Hitze begehren ein Paar von First-Round-Picks im Austausch, könnte man kommen gut auf der Straße. Das ist, was diese Zeit vor dem 23. Februar Trading Dead dreht sich alles um, Sondieren zu sehen, wie viel Sie bekommen können, bevor Sie entscheiden, ob es sich lohnt, den Prozess einen Schritt weiter. Sind die Hitze fragen zu viel In diesem Stadium des Spiels, sollten sie besser sein. Q: Sein so hartes, Luke Babbitt als die Anfangsleistung vorwärts anzusehen. Seine Leistung gegen die Lakers war meine Bruchstelle. Doug. A: Im Gegensatz zu wem, vor allem, wie gut James Johnson mit der zweiten Einheit gearbeitet hat, hatte ich gedacht, dass Justise Winslow als eine Befestigung dort auftauchen könnte, so dass die Hitze zusätzliche Flügel nutzen kann, aber jetzt ist diese Vorstellung vom Tisch. Und seine nicht als ob Derrick Williams hat sich etabliert. So Udonis Haslem Willie Schilf neben Whiteside Josh McRoberts kommt nicht durch diese Tür. Oder sogar Chris Bosh. Q: Im frohen Erik Spoelstra stand sein Boden und sagte das. Manchmal müssen Sie sprechen, wenn Sie riechen BS in der Luft. - Schmp. A: Ein paar Gedanken hier. Zuerst, für die spät zum Spiel, nachdem Goran Dragic für was schien, ein Versuch zu sein war, weg von Jordan Clarkson auszuspionieren, Spoelstra sagte nach Freitag Verlust zu den Lakers, quotts ist wirklich schändlich, schmählich, dass Goran Dragic aus geworfen wurde Dieses Spiel. Er bekommt einen Ellenbogen auf sein Gesicht, jemand, der kämpfen will, schlägt ihn auf den Boden und nur eine Rettung, beschämend, schimpflichen Ausstoß. Theres keine Weise, die er aus dieser Situation heraus geworfen werden sollte. Und auf ging er. Zuerst, wenn es nicht ein Acht-Punkte-Spiel in diesem Augenblick war, wenn die Lakers schon weggezogen waren, glaube ich, dass Spoelstra sich auch ausgeworfen haben würde. Aber weil die Hitze noch in greifbare Nähe war und eine Fähigkeit gezeigt hatte, sich von einem ähnlichen Defizit früher zu erholen, gab es Zurückhaltung. Zweitens, wenn Sie zwei schlechte, Lotterie-gebundenen Teams haben, glaube ich, die Beamten sind eher geneigt, einfach entfernen alle Antagonisten aus der Situation. Face it (und es könnte mehr von diesem vorwärts gehen), ist es nicht so, als ob das Ergebnis eines Heat-Lakers-Spiel ändern wird sich auf die NBA Playoff-Rennen am Ende der Saison auswirken. So wurde der Weg - buchstäblich - der kleinste Widerstand gewählt und das Spiel fortgesetzt. Fairness macht es nicht immer so weit unten die Tabellenführung. Q: Hallo, Ira. Ich denke, wie die Saison geht, wird Hassan Whiteside besser zu spielen desto erfolgreicher Willie Reed ist mit der Straftat. Es wird wenigstens Hassan davon abhalten, selbstgefällig zu werden. - Eric. A: Und es war interessant, wie Erik Spoelstra keine Zeit hatte (oder war in irgendeiner Stimmung) zu diskutieren, wer Sonntag gegen die Clippers beginnen könnte. Aber ich glaube auch nicht, dass Hassan in einer Weise verkabelt ist, wo er Herausforderungen sieht. Er glaubt einfach, dass, wenn er spielt, er dominiert. Periode. Sonntag wird interessant sein, einschließlich, wie viele Minuten Spoelstra in der Lage ist, für Reed vorwärts zu finden, sobald Whiteside seine Beine (und das Auge) vollständig wiedergewinnt. Q: Warum doesnt Derrick Williams spielen mehr Hier ist ein Kerl, der Platz für seinen eigenen Schuss schaffen kann. - Stuart. A: Die NBA ist eine Liga, wo Sie mindestens eine Sache sehr gut tun müssen. Thats warum, für alle Bestürzung von einigen in Bezug auf Justise Winslow, hat er bereits gezeigt, er ist bei 20, ein NBA-Level-Elite-Verteidiger. Die Frage mit Williams ist: Was ist sein besonderes Talent Im College, war es als Spieler in der Lage, seinen Weg zu der Foul-Linie bei fast einem Harden-like-Tempo zu arbeiten. In der NBA hat er noch seinen besonderen Platz zu finden. So ist es nicht, als könnten Sie ihn dort für einen bestimmten Zweck senden. Q: Mit Rajon Rondo unglücklich in Chicago die Bulls in Not von außen schießen, heres ein Handel, der Sinn machen könnte (zumindest durch die Zahlen): Trade Josh McRoberts und Wayne Ellington für Rondo. Rondos zwei-Jahres-Vertrag beträgt 14 Millionen pro Saison, aber nur 3 Millionen wird im nächsten Jahr garantiert. Außerdem öffnet es einen Spielplan für einen D-League Spieler. Was denken Sie - David. A: Ich denke, dass quotAsk Iraquot Leser sind ein Schnitt oben, wenn es um Kreativität geht. So viel wie alles, ich schätze die Mütze Denken, da das ist, was sein ganz ungefähr, irgendwie. Es gibt auch die Heat die Möglichkeit, eine Veteran-Fill-in am Point Guard für das Gleichgewicht der Saison, wenn es eine Goran Dragic Handel. Aber Rondo hat sich so giftig, dass Im nicht sicher, ob auch mit zu essen, dass 3 Millionen für 2017-18 wäre schmackhaft, wenn man bedenkt, es bleibt die äußere Chance, vielleicht Entladen alle McRoberts 2017-18 6 Millionen Spieler Option als Teil eines größeren Deal. Egal, es gibt Verdienst für diesen Gedanken, mehr für das Geld als über die tatsächlichen Namen beteiligt. Q: Der Versuch, eine gewinnende Kultur mit einer Gruppe von Rollenspielern zu etablieren, ist wie der Versuch, ein Fahrrad gegen einen Porsche 911 zu fahren. - Aura. A: Und dann stellen Sie sich nicht einmal so viele Fahrräder wie Porsches. Nehmen Sie dienstags Verlust für die Sonne: Ein Argument könnte gemacht werden, dass die Hitze hatte fast gleichwertiges Talent auf dem Spielfeld als Phoenix, wenn es um die fünf Spieler im Spiel an den Anfang kam. Aber das ist, wenn der Mangel an Tiefe hart. Die Realität ist, dass die meisten NBA-Teams beschränken sich auf acht primäre Spieler in ihren Rotationen, sowieso. Das Problem ist, dass einige der Tiefe in diesem Team nicht bis zu gewinnenden Standards. Das klingt hart, aber es ist auch die Wahrheit, und warum diese Spieler zur Verfügung stehen, um die Hitze auf die relativ billig in den ersten Platz. Ein Argument könnte gemacht werden, dass drei oder vier der Spieler, die die Hitze in Phoenix aufgetreten wäre, es nicht auf das Gericht für einen Playoff-Kämpfer gemacht hätten. Es zeigte auch eine Nacht später in Sacramento, wie viel von einem anderen machte es für die Hitze mit Tyler Johnson und James Johnson zurück. Diese Art von Tiefe macht einen Unterschied. Q: Mit dem Team kämpfen die Art und Weise ist es, was stoppt die Hitze bringen d-League-Spieler - Claudia, Miami. A: Rosterraum. Die Hitze ist an der NBA-Grenze von 15 Spielern. Und es gibt nichts wie baseballs deaktiviert Liste, wo Sie aufrufen können Spieler zu füllen für verletzte Spieler. Der Gedanke in der NBA ist, dass Sie nur spielen fünf zu einem Zeitpunkt und erhalten Zugang zu einem Maximum von 15 Spielern Auswahl. Die Hitze sollte an einem Punkt wieder einen Punkt finden, sobald die Machenschaften beginnen, Chris Boshs Gehaltskappenraum wiederzuerlangen. Es gibt auch die Möglichkeit, einen Verkauf oder Freisetzung von einigen der Veteranen auf das letzte Jahr ihrer Verträge, aber dass, wie chronicled, wahrscheinlich passieren wird erst nach dem 23. Februar NBA Handelsschluss, falls die Heat brauchen, um die Gehälter zu aggregieren In potenziellen Deals. F: Das ist traurig. Ich wollte sehen, dass Justise Winslow dieses Jahr wächst. Sie müssen auf dem Platz, um weiter zu verbessern. - Douglas. A: Für mich, das ist der härteste Teil, das Wachstum für eine Saison für einen Spieler, der hatte (und noch) die Chance, als Franchise-Eckpfeiler entstehen verzögert. Aber diese Saison-endende Operation ist über so viel mehr als das. Wenn es einen Gedanken an den Handel Winslow als Teil eines Pakets für etwas näher an einem Franchise-Spieler, das offensichtlich auch auf Eis gelegt wurde. Darüber hinaus, mit Winslow so einzigartig mit seinem Ansatz, hält es die Hitze von der Erforschung dieser Spielmöglichkeiten Möglichkeiten und entfernt die Möglichkeit für Teamkollegen zu lernen, wie man am besten aus diesen Fähigkeiten zu profitieren. Dies ist mehr als die Rückkehr ein Team, das wahrscheinlich auf den Entwurf der Lotterie unabhängig war. Dies ist über die Uhr auf der Heats-Wachstum aus dem Inneren stoppen, wenn es um Winslow kommt. Es war ein verheerender Schlag für beide Spieler und Team. F: Justise ist kein gewöhnlicher 20-Jähriger. Sobald er über die geistige Hürde, die Hölle gut wird. - Goigi. A: Und das muss die Hoffnung sein, dass die Zeit, die Winslow während des letzten Saisonspiels verbracht hat, die Zeit, in der er im vergangenen Sommer Training mit dem Olympiamannschaft verbracht hat, dazu beitragen wird, diese verlorene Gerichtszeit auszugleichen, dass die Lernkurve immer noch eine sein kann in Arbeit. Wenn es zur Reife kommt, ist dies kein typischer 20-Jähriger. Justise hatte viele Chancen, um sich selbst als seine Schüsse werent fallen in dieser Saison. Stattdessen konzentrierte er sich auf die Beiträge, die er auf dem Hof machen konnte. Und er machte diese Beiträge. Die gute Nachricht ist, dass im Gegensatz zu seinem Handgelenk Frage im November, das ist nicht seine Schießarm. Tyler Johnson arbeitete sich als verbesserter Spieler aus der Schulter zurück. Justise hat die gleiche Art von Make-up, zu versuchen, sich für verlorene Zeit. Q: Groß, jetzt erhalten wir einige Punkte aus den drei Spot. Das war eine große Schwäche, als der Ball zu ihm schwang. Diese Liga ist über Vergehen. - Tommy. A: Das ist die Flip-Seite, wahrscheinlich mehr Scoring in Lineups, mit vielen kleinen Kombinationen zu spielen, wie die Hitze sah Mittwoch gegen die Könige, wie sie durch die Gleichen von Wayne Ellington, Tyler Johnson und sogar Dion Kellner aus der Bank . Es wird interessant sein, wie lange Erik Spoelstra mit Rodney McGruder als seinem kleinen Startplatz bleibt, oder er geht zurück zu einem kleineren Ansatz, um das Punk - und Schießpotential seiner Flügel zu maximieren. Aber mit Winslows defensiven Fähigkeiten verloren, könnte es kommen, ob Kellner können abholen, wo er vor seiner Leistenverletzung aufgehört. Die Hitze ist anders ohne Winslow. Für sie besser zu sein, müssen Sie beide Seiten des Balles zu betrachten. F: Können wir zurückbringen Mario Chalmers als unsere Backup-Punkt-Wache Ich denke, wir brauchen einen traditionellen Spielmacher wie Chalmers. - Timo. A: Ob Chalmers vollständig von den Achilles Verletzungen der letzten Jahreszeit erholt ist oder ob er sich vollkommen erholt hat, denke an Chalmers, der letzten Saison an die Grizzlys vergeben wurde. Während es sicherlich war ein Fall der Verringerung der Heats-Luxus-Steuer-Rechnung, wurde es auch als ein Umzug in die klare Spielzeit für Tyler Johnson als Backup-Posten Wache betont, unter der Bedingung, ob Chalmers könnte mit einer tertiären Rolle. In gewissem Maße hat sich nichts mit dieser Gleichung geändert, mit dem Ziel, noch Zeit für Johnson (und sogar Josh Richardson) an der Stelle zu schaffen. So, es sei denn, das aktuelle Trio an der Stelle verdünnt ist, Im nicht sicher, es würde ein Platz für Rio im Moment sein. Aber das ist nicht auszuschließen etwas auf der Straße. Die Hitze hat eine Möglichkeit, die Tür für Zugaben zu öffnen, wobei Chalmers New Years in South Florida mit Udonis Haslem, Josh McRoberts und anderen aktuellen und ehemaligen Heat-Spielern ausgeben. Q: Rodney McGruder ist ein großer Pickup für die Hitze. Er hat buchstäblich hob die Last der Bewachung der gegnerischen Mannschaften besten Flügelspieler, wenn Justise Winslow ist. Er ist ein echter 3-und-D-Typ. Ich wollte nur einige gute Dinge aus der Heat in dieser Saison, da so viele Verletzungen und so viel schlechte Nachricht stattgefunden hat spät. - Robert. A: Was McGruder getan hat, gibt der Heat einen Ersatzteil, falls sie sich für einen ihrer jungen Spieler entscheiden wollen, sei es Winslow oder Tyler Johnson (nicht, dass ich das irgendwie vorhersage, So dass Rodney ist besser als diese beiden). McGruder hat wahrscheinlich seine Aufwärtstrendbeschränkungen, aber wenn es darum geht, dass die Hitze in der Lage ist, sich auf Vermögenswerte ansonsten zu verriegeln, ist er eine so kostengünstige Alternative wie verfügbar, wenn man bedenkt, wie die Hitze ihn auch für die Zukunft eingesperrt hat. So, wenn es ein silbernes Futter zu einer Jahreszeit wie dieses gibt, findet es einen anderen jungen Spieler, der in die heiße folgende Komposition passen könnte. Und seine Haltung ist so optimistisch wie die Fortschritte, die er gemacht hat, um zu diesem Punkt, coachable und begierig zu lernen. Q: Dorothy: quotToto, ich habe ein Gefühl war nicht in Kansas anymore. quot Wenn der Heats-Plan ist, durch den Entwurf wieder aufzubauen, dann arent Fans Blick auf eine drei-oder vier-Jahres-Wiederaufbau auf ein Minimum Das letzte Mal die Hitze wieder aufgebaut Durch den Entwurf, mussten sie eine Dwyane Wade (die speziell ist) zu finden und machte dann ein einmal-in-a-lifetime Handel für eine verfügbare Shaquille ONeal Und das hat die Heat drei Jahre. - Stuart. A: Aber die Hitze betrachten es, als ob sie mehr Bausteine im Platz haben, mit dem, was sie hoffen, wird ein Franchise-Zentrum, in Hassan Whiteside, und ein erfahrener Point Guard, in Goran Dragic sein. So konnte dieses Mal eine Lotterie-Auswahl zu einer Zeit hinzugefügt werden, wenn es auch massive Gehalt-Cap-Raum wäre. Für die Hitze kam die ONeal-Akquisition ein Jahr nach der Ankunft von Wade. Dieses Mal ist die Hitze positioniert, um ein Lotterie-Talent und ein max-Gehalt Spieler zur gleichen Zeit hinzuzufügen. Daher der (zumindest öffentlich ausgedrückte) Optimismus für einen schnellen Wiederaufbau. Q: Ich weiß, dass wir unsere Bewegungen nicht telegraphieren können, aber die wahre Gangsta-Bewegung für Pat Riley ist, Goran Dragic im Februar entweder nach Orlando oder den 76ers zu tauschen, um eine weitere Auswahl in diesem kommenden Entwurf zu sichern. Die Magics-Auswahl wird um 12 oder 13 fallen oder die 76ers holen die Top 10 der Lakers. Wir würden dann in der besten Position sein, um Josh Jackson oder Lonzo Ball mit unserer eigenen Auswahl zu bekommen und die zusätzliche Auswahl bekommen Malik Monk, Dennis Smith oder Harry Giles. Dies wäre Pats größte Leistung aufgrund der Veränderungen in der CBA und keine wirkliche spannende freie Agenten im Jahr 2017. - Marcus, Washington, D. C. A: Zuerst bin ich nicht sicher, Pat Riley geht quote Gangstaquot zu jeder Zeit, aber das ist eine andere Geschichte. Ich bezweifle, dass jedes Lotterie-Team bereit sein wird, sich von der Auswahl zu trennen, bis sie wissen, wo ihre Wahl in der ersten Runde fallen wird. Ebensowenig würde die Hitze einen Handel für einen Posten riskieren, der unterhalb des geplanten Platzes fallen könnte, da es im Fall Ihres Orlando-Beispiels nicht länger einen Grund für den Handelspartner geben würde, Lotteriesäen aufrechtzuerhalten. Es ist ein weiterer Grund, warum ein Dragic-Handel, oder jede große Heat bewegen im Zusammenhang mit dem Entwurf, macht mehr Sinn nach der Lotterie und der frühen Einreise Frist. Ja, der kommende Entwurf schaut beladen aus, genug geladen, dass eine Auswahl sogar in den frühen Teens als Projektträger projizieren konnte. Aber Teams mit solchen Picks wissen, dass auch die Erhöhung der Prämien auf solche Moves. Und wenn Riley wirklich prognostiziert einen schnellen Wiederaufbau (die wie eine Hautausschlag Anweisung von seinem Teil klingt), dann Im nicht sicher, wie das passiert, mit einem Paar Lotterie, one-and-done Perspektiven, um die Liste hinzugefügt werden. Was ich damit einverstanden ist, ist, dass es schwierig ist, sich vorzustellen, dass die Hitze eine weitere Lotterie-Auswahl hinzufügt, solange Dragic in eine Handelsgleichung nicht berücksichtigt wird. Q: Ohne Hassan Whiteside auf dem Boden scheint es wie die Hitze spielen bessere Teamball. Theres mehr Kugelbewegung und ein schnelleres Tempo. Wenn hes auf dem Gericht es scheint, wie er verlangsamt das Spiel, nimmt eine Menge von Besitzungen, und lässt seine Teamkollegen weniger auf seine Kosten beteiligt. Sind Sie einverstanden und ist das ein Anliegen - Doug. A: Eine der häufigsten Fragen auf diese Weise wurde über Whitesides Mangel an Berührungen. Ab dem Moment der Hitze begangen, dass vier Jahre, 98 Millionen Vertrag zu Whiteside zu Beginn der freien Agentur gab es keine Rückkehr. Die Hitze muss lernen, wie man diese Arbeit zu machen, müssen lernen, wie man diese Arbeit zu machen. Ein Teil davon findet Whiteside, wenn er aufblitzt. Ein Teil davon ist Whiteside, der mit seinem Handeln entscheidend ist. Das braucht Zeit. Aber es braucht auch Engagement. Also das Problem, das einzige Problem, jetzt ist, wie es am besten mit Whiteside arbeiten. Wenn es um die NBA Gehalt Mütze geht, können Sie nicht verlieben sich im Juli und aus Liebe im Januar. Die Dollar nicht zulassen, dass. Wohl oder übel. Q: Dieses Team erstickt mich, Ira. Jede Abhilfe - Masoud, Tucson. A: Tune in der Heats D-League Affiliate auf Facebook live. Sie gewinnen. Sie haben Spaß zu sehen. Und sie könnten nur ein oder zwei Heat-Spieler der Zukunft haben. F: Glaubst du, dass die Hitze versuchen wird, Paul Millsap zu handeln oder zu unterschreiben? GL A: Timing wird in einem solchen Schritt eine große Rolle spielen, nämlich ein Team, das ein bevorstehendes freies Agenten zur Verfügung stellt, da die Hawks anscheinend bereit sind Mit Millsap zu tun, bereit sein zu warten, bis die Hitze ihren potentiellen Gehaltskappenraum aus den Chris Bosh Machinationen freischalten kann, eine Bewegung, die vor dem 9. Februar kommt. Dann gibt es die Frage, was die Hitze in der Lage wäre, Rückkehr, fehlt viel in der Art der Entwurf Picks. Es kommt also darauf an, ob die Hitze junge Talente wie Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson oder Tyler Johnson in Betracht zieht (die gegen die Handelsbilanz für das Gleichgewicht der Saison verstoßen können, weil er als eingeschränktes Freiverkehr unterzeichnet wurde). Was für ein Team wie das Heat cant tun, ist Handel für einen bevorstehenden Free-Agent wie Millsap und dann hoffen, dass er wieder zu signieren. Und auf der Grundlage, wo die Hitze derzeit stehen, was genau müssen sie für die unmittelbare Zukunft zu verkaufen. Q: Sind Sie sicher, Sonntage Verletzungen werent ein Anfang April Fools Streich Holen Sie sich diese Lotterie Bälle gehen. - Jeffrey. A: Nein, ich nicht. Aber was ich vermute, ist, dass, wenn die Hitze die Siege vorrang, dass es vielleicht mehr kreative Mittel, um Spieler wieder auf dem Platz. Deshalb habe ich nach Whiteside gefragt, dass er vielleicht eine Sonnenbrille trägt, um Sonntag zurückzukehren. Und wenn die Beleuchtung war tatsächlich ein Problem, potenziell tragen getönte Schutzbrillen. Diese Mannschaft hat durch bemerkenswerte Mittel vorher gespielt, um Spieler auf dem Gericht zu erhalten. Diese Saison Es scheint ein wenig düster, nicht, dass Im ein Arzt oder irgendwelche Qualifikationen, um eine in diesem Raum zu spielen. Q: Warum die Verzögerung in Nebensache Josh McRoberts für Saison und die Förderung jemand aus der D-League - Juan. A: Weil das nicht so läuft. McRoberts, wenn auch über einen längeren Zeitraum hinweg, gilt als einer der 15 Spieler auf der Rangliste zu zählen (wie auch Chris Bosh, für diese Angelegenheit). Wenn McRoberts in der letzten Saison seines Vertrages waren, dann konnte die Hitze entscheiden, den Rest seines Vertrages zu essen. Jedoch weil McRoberts eine Spielerwahl für 2017-18 hat, würde seine gesamten 7 Million an der Hitze 2017-18 Kappe in der Offseason haften, wenn verzichtet vor dem Ende dieser Jahreszeit. Auch wenn McRoberts in dieser Saison nicht wieder auftritt, bleibt er für einen Trade entweder in dieser Saison oder in der Offseason, einer, der die Heats-Gehalt-Cap-Position erleichtern konnte. Für die Heat, um alle Spieler aus ihrer D-League Affiliate, die Sioux Falls Skyforce zu erziehen, müssten sie einen Platz vor Ort zu eröffnen, mit keiner ihrer D-League-Spieler unter NBA Vertrag. Q: Ira, Erik Spoelstra hatte Schwierigkeiten herauszufinden, wer an der Macht vorwärts zu starten. Ich havent: James Johnson. - David. A: Wenn Sie sagen, dass James die Heats am meisten konsistente Leistung nach vorne war, würde ich zustimmen, auch mit Fehltritt wie Donnerstag in Charlotte. Aber er war noch konsequenter in einer anderen Rolle, als jemand, der die zweite Einheit, die er zeigte in seiner 22-Punkte-Anstrengung am Freitag in Boston. In einer Saison, in der es für die Hitze schwierig war, die Boxen außerhalb des Startzentrums und des Startpunktwächters auszufüllen, glaube ich, dass James von der Bank ausspielt, hat Spoelstra eine Komfortstufe mit der zweiten Einheit erreicht, die schwer vorbei ist. Aber es gibt auch die Schicht von Johnson Rückkehr zum Free-Agent-Markt in der Offseason und vielleicht schließlich Lobbying, um in die Startaufstellung zu bekommen. Mit Josh McRoberts aus, und mit Luke Babbitt und Derrick Williams als die anderen Optionen, Johnson hat sicherlich einen Fall, um in die ersten fünf zu bewegen. Wie es ist, hat das Rad der Aufstellungen wieder bei Babbitt gestoppt, wie der Start vor Donnerstag in Charlotte und dann am Freitag in Boston. Q. Ira, lassen Sie uns aufhören Kidding uns, dass Gerechtigkeit Winslow, Josh Richardson und Tyler Johnson sind ein Kern für ein Team um zu bauen. Sie sind nette Spieler, die hart spielen, aber sie würden Reserven auf einem guten Team sein, das zu den Endspielen geleitet wird. Sie würden eine schöne Einheit aus der Bank, aber die Hitze brauchen, um Starter zu finden, die mit Goran Dragic und Hassan Whiteside spielen können. - David, Fort Lauderdale. A: Zuerst, wenn Sie zurück blättern durch diesen Raum, ich dont rufen Sie eine der drei Sie erwähnt als Eckpfeiler. Alle, zumindest bis jetzt, haben sich als komplementäre Spieler gezeigt. Wenn die Hitze Chris Bosh und Dwyane Wade hatte, wie es die ursprüngliche Absicht war, würden alle tatsächlich Nischenspieler sein. Mit der Hitze in der Lage, Cap-Raum in freie Agentur oder ein Handel im Juli nutzen, und mit der Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Lotterie-Auswahl, würde ich sagen, dass von den drei Spielern, die Sie erwähnt haben, nicht mehr als eine wäre ein Starter nächste Saison. Es gibt keinen Vorwand mit der Hitze in dieser Saison. Sie spielen Spieler aus der Not. Wenn es eine ähnliche Notwendigkeit der nächsten Saison gibt, wird es wahrscheinlich ein ähnliches Ergebnis sein. Q: Wird diese Jahreszeit geopfert Wir haben einen Bündel Geselle und mittelmäßige Perspektiven. Was ist der Plan - Brian. A: Wie oben erwähnt: Zu sehen, was die Hitze haben, und daher sehen, was hinzugefügt werden muss. Denken Sie an diese Saison als Petrischale, mit diesem ein jahreszeitliches Experiment in individuellen Einschätzungen. So denke ich aus einer Fächerperspektive, sollte der Plan sein, sich mehr auf das Individuum als das Kollektiv zu konzentrieren, sehen, mit wem Sie sich wohl fühlen, vorwärts zu gehen und mit Ihrem Wort zu sehen, wer bloß mittelmäßig ist. Q: Ira, als ich das Radio heute abend anzog und hörte, dass Isaiah Thomas 52 Punkte erzielte, dachte ich, dass die Hitze das Spiel um 20 verloren hätte. Ich war überrascht, als ich hörte, dass es ein viel näheres Spiel war. Bin ich wahnhaft, wenn ich denke, dass dieses Team ist nicht so weit weg von Konkurrenz für Divisions-Titel Im nicht darauf hin, dass dies die Saison, aber es wird nicht zu viel Zeit, bis sie in Streit. Ich erinnere mich an Spiele, wo die Heat Post-LeBron würde durch eine wirklich gute Mannschaft geblasen und die Bank nicht dazu beitragen, und wir haben out-Rebounded usw., etc. Dieses Team kämpft und bleibt im Spiel für 48 Minuten. Sie haben nicht ein näheres, aber es gibt fünf Kerle, die versuchen, zu schließen und infolgedessen besser zusammen als das Warten für das nähere, alles zu tun versuchen. - Eric A: Schauen Sie, um zu gewinnen, und zu gewinnen, groß in der NBA, benötigen Sie eine nähere, die ist, was die Celtics Freitagabend mit Isaiah Thomas hatten. Aber ich wünschte, mehr Fans teilten Ihre Begeisterung für den Prozess. Für alle die Rede von der Hitze quottanking, quot finden mich ein Spieler, der nicht spielte Eindrucks heraus am Ende am Freitag Abend. Und wenn ein Team konkurriert, dass hart, ich bin damit einverstanden, dass es Respekt. Seit Wochen, Ive wurde gefragt, "Wie können Sie watch thatquot Meine Antwort ist, weil ich dont nur dort sitzen und holen Sie das Papier am Morgen (und bitte holen Sie sich die Zeitung jeden Morgen), sondern ich genieße die Spiele. Und Freitag hat Spaß gemacht, viel Spaß. Und das ist ein Kredit an eine Liste von Spielern, die bewusst sein müssen, dass inzwischen die Playoffs die längsten der Longshots sind. Q: Dies war Jesaja Thomas erzählt Pat Riley, quotYou sollte für mich statt Goran Dragic. quot gehandelt haben - C. G. A: Und doch wissen wir, wie sehr Pat Riley größere Wächter bevorzugt. Look, when the Dragic trade was made, it was when the Heat had Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Thomas played Friday night without an assist, and there is nothing wrong with that on a roster that demands every last bit of his scoring. Dragic fit the roster he was acquired for better than Thomas. Then times changed for the Heat. Es passiert. What happened with Bosh, and then the tough decision with Wade, changed everything. Not its a matter of again sorting out pieces, pieces that might not fit like they once did. Q: Do you think it would be the right call for the Heat to call up Briante Weber -- Timo, Germany. A: Thats a tough call, because Im still not sure Briante is ready to guide an NBA offense and might be a more fitting Heat addition when the roster is flushed out with better talent, where Briante could be called upon to provide 12 explosive minutes a game. The move I would make with the Heats D-League affiliate is to bring up Okaro White, a move that would require the Heat opening a roster spot. An extended look at him on the wing could help answer questions for the Heat moving forward. Q: Ira, please tell me what is good about Justise Winslow Hate to say it, but Id take Michael Beasley over Winslow, and Im not Beasley fan. -- Juan. A: First, exhale. Then move past where the Heat drafted Justise, what they bypassed for him, who they could have had instead. None of that matters now. It just doesnt. Then consider players who have upgraded their shooting relatively early in their careers, with Kawhi Leonard among that group. Beyond all of that, ask how Winslow can help, be it his defending, his facilitating, his rebounding. Sorry, but you dont give up on NBA first-round picks at 20 years old. You just dont. There is a reason players fall to No. 10 in the draft. There always is a reason. A reason why someone such as Frank Kaminsky went earlier. The Heat have a shooting consultant now. If this one doesnt work, you get another. And, if needed, another. The good thing is the games dont matter as much in the moment. And around good players, be it at Duke or even during last seasons playoff run, Winslow has shown he can make it work, even with the wayward shot. Just dont expect him to be, at this stage of his career, the first-, second - or perhaps even third-best player on your roster. He certainly looked a lot better when Wade, Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside were thriving. This season is skewing a lot of appearances with the Heat. Q: Dallas-area sports radio were glad the Mavericks didnt get Hassan Whiteside. Fears of a low motor after big dollars were founded -- Sergio. A: I will say this, I do not believe that any of Hassans lackluster play has anything to do with the four-year, 98 million contract he received from the Heat, beating out Dallas July 1 overtures. I just dont. Now, the quotmotorquot issue is something that certainly deserves further consideration. And while Erik Spoelstra has mostly said all the right things, the issue at hand is getting Whiteside to appreciate that this is an every-game league. Yes, over the course of an 82-game schedule youre going to have off nights. And you can sprinkle in about 10 during the six months. The concern is that Hassan already has used up most of those. Someone needs to find a way to get through, to draw out the passion. Sooner. Rather than later. Q: Ira, this is just atrocious. What is happening with this team Can someone explain how you have a two-time-champion coach and they give him a team full of NBA teams leftovers, players that didnt help their previous teams (minus James Johnson and Wayne Ellington). Not only that, but we have no closer, no main go-to guy. I mean Pat Riley needs to stop playing it safe and be honest with us fans that this will not be a fast rebuild. -- George. A: I agree that this team was not necessarily built to contend. The one chance was a fast start, with few injuries. Both of those factors quickly were scotched. What is left is the hope of the draft lottery and free agency. There is nothing wrong with Riley speaking of a rapid rebuild. But now the pressure shifts to the front office, where there must be ultimate success both in the draft and with the salary-cap cash about to come free from Chris Boshs contract. It is pressure far greater than what currently is on the shoulders of Winslow or Whiteside. Q: What is wrong with Hassan Whiteside This guy is not up to it physically, doesnt play defense and is too slow up the floor. For the money Whiteside gets, he needs to play at a high level. -- Horace. A: There are times when too much attention is paid to body language. But body language matters when you are perceived as a teams franchise player, particularly when you call yourself a franchise player. With Whiteside, actions mean a lot. And actions beyond shot blocks and dunks, similarly to how all the skill play in the world cant save DeMarcus Cousins from inspection because of his actions. NBA basketball is hard, physical, demanding work. But you know that going in. It also requires only about 2 12 hours of intensity 82 days a year. The next step for Hassan has to be about his motor, a motor that has to rev as highly on the nights when its not going as well as his 20-15 nights. And, no, that is not too much to ask. For years, as he toiled overseas and in the D-League, Hassan craved the spotlight. Now the glare is as bright on his not-so-best nights as on the ones he dominates. As Erik Spoelstra says, greatness means being an all-the-time player. That is the next level for Whiteside. His next steps have to be eliminating the doubts he can get there. Q: Hi, Ira. So I asked Santa for outside shooting for my Heat team. -- Cori, Charlotte, N. C. A: And all you got was a lump of coal Its not only getting the 3-pointers and outside shots from Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson and James Johnson, its getting them frequently enough so there is respect from the defense. The goal seemingly had become utilizing a stretch four alongside Whiteside to space the offense. And Josh McRoberts was getting there. Now, with McRoberts sidelined again, it will be interesting to see if Erik Spoelstra turns to the outside shooting of Derrick Williams or Luke Babbitt, or tries to find it elsewhere in the rotation. Q: Its a shame were slightly better than the other bottom feeders. It would help to lose. -- A. F. A: This, not the losing, is what makes this season so trying from this perspective, that the occasional feel-good win instantly gets classified into something else. You also are attempting to nurture a winning culture, which only comes with at least the occasional win. So deal. If you get Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow, Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson too accepting of losing, you may never recover their winning spirit. You see it all the time on going-nowhere franchises. Q: If Josh McRoberts is going to be out, cant the Heat just cut him and bring in another player --Vic. A: The problem with that, with McRoberts holding a 6 million player option for next season, is that the Heat would be on the hook for that entire amount on their 2017-18 salary cap. What the Heat could do is utilize the stretch provision, where McRoberts would receive his full remaining salary, but the Heat can spread out that 6 million over three seasons, for a 2 million hit for three consecutive cap years starting in 2017-18. The only benefit of such a move at the moment would be to open a roster spot, perhaps for a youthful candidate from their D-League affiliate. Of course, the Heat could yet open a roster spot due to Chris Boshs situation or perhaps by applying for a roster exemption if these injuries continue to again mount. Most likely, the Heat will stick with McRoberts, if perhaps to see if there could be one final chance to make this work, or perhaps one final chance to see if he can be packaged into some type of cap-saving trade (as a plus-one with Goran Dragic). Q: Is the Heats record a good indication of how this team is Or have we not seen the full potential because of the injuries -- D. Y. A: With all of these injuries, Im not sure we will ever see what this team could have been (which certainly is the case with Chris Bosh failing his preseason physical). And Im not sure, at this stage, with this record, that it any longer is about seeing what this team could be. Instead, I believe it comes down to this being a season about individual-player evaluation, to see what Justise Winslow can be, what Tyler Johnson can be, what Josh Richardson can be, what Hassan Whiteside can be. Q: With Goran Dragic out, we now get to see what life without Goran might look like -- Lineiro. A: Im not sure thats a direction the Heat will (or should) necessarily choose. But Tuesday did allow the Heat to at least get a glimpse into how the tandem of Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson at point guard might work. With both, Im not sure they have that innate ability to hit a teammate at the prime moment for a scoring opportunity. But an argument could be made that is why moments such as Tuesday night are significant, for the two to grow into those moments. What Josh Richardson showed is what we already knew, that at this point of his NBA development he is more scorer than playmaker. The same arguably can be said about Tyler Johnson. Q: I really dont understand any of this Goran Dragic trade talk. He has his limits, but hes cheap, he plays hard, and despite the major roster changes since he got to Miami, he seems to want to stay. The Heat are pretty bad right now, but there are some options in the near future without dismantling what assets we have. Everyone needs to chill and watch our young talent develop. I do expect Pat Riley to shake things up once that Chris Bosh money becomes available. Hes never been the type to settle for mediocre. -- Tony, Big Sur, Calif. A: To me, putting aside all the Dragic speculation, it comes down to this: Goran Dragic will be 31 heading into next season, only three years younger than Dwyane Wade. Granted, Dragic doesnt have nearly as much mileage on him. But if the Heat are taking a long view with their restructuring, then age has to factor in. If not, then it would appear too much weight was put on Wades age. So the best option might be to wait on a draft loaded with lottery-level point guards and then see your position of need, including perhaps trading down to a team that needs a point guard, retaining Dragic, and then adding another asset in the process. The one factor that could sway all of that is a too-good-to-pass-up trade option. To a degree, thats why having Gorans name out there is probably not the worst of all worlds for the Heat, since it keeps him in the thoughts of win-now teams that might consider Dragics experience an asset. Q: I know the Heat will win some close ones. Practice makes perfect, and the law of averages. -- Stuart. A: If that, indeed, is the goal. Look, this season is like few others in the Heats 29-year history. Is winning the ultimate goal The reason I say that is the question of whether they would have (if he was available) inserted Dion Waiters into some of these late-game situations in order to let him work his isolation game or whether the preference would have been to allow the likes of Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson to grow through such moments If the Heat absolutely, positively were playing to win these games amid all these injuries, they could have waived a Derrick Williams or even Udonis Haslem (temporarily) and gone after a Lance Stephenson or Gary Neal for short-term help. But this season is about more, apparently, than just seizing every possible moment any which way. Q: Ira, in your opinion, would Serge Ibaka be a good complement to Hassan Whiteside (and Goran Dragic) The Heat never really got to see quottwin towersquot with Hassan and Chris Bosh, but could it work -- Gabriel, Miami. A: First, there was enough of a sample size with Bosh to raise question about whether Whiteside works well alongside another big man, especially one that does not have complete a skill set as Bosh. Plus this roster, as currently constituted, cries out for a scoring wing, one who could conceivably play as a closer. Remember, with the new collective-bargaining agreement and all of its twists, it is likely the Heat will be able to secure a maximum of one max-level free agent, if even that. Q: Ira, think of all these games when the Heat couldnt have scored at the end when Dion Waiters could have helped. This will be a new team when he returns. -- Steve. A: Except Im curious how much, if at all, Dion will play. When the Heat were shorthanded, especially on the wing, Waiters isolation play was essential. But it doesnt mean that his play necessarily advanced the Heats long-range goals. What the Heat cant do, with their forward-thinking approach, is allow their glut on the wing to get in the way of the development of Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson. Plus, the approach going forward likely will be more about ball movement than isolation play, especially with Goran Dragic playing at such a high level. So with James Johnson having earned his minutes with his aggressive play off the bench, and with Wayne Ellington, when he returns, having shown the advantages he can provide when spacing the floor, it will be interesting to see where exactly Waiters fits in. While its all but assured that Dion will opt out of the second and final year of his two-year Heat contract, it will be curious to see if the Heat cover that base with a potential trade of Waiters once all their other wing options are healthy. Q: Ira, I understand the concept of the Johnsons coming off of the bench to bring energy. However, dont you think that a teams most productive players should play more minutes James Johnson makes a more palpable impact than Josh McRoberts or Luke Babbitt. -- Matt, Boynton Beach. A: Im still not sure what the true story is at power forward, with, as it is, Justise Winslow getting most of the crunch-time minutes at the position, anyway. I think the goal, at the start, was to see if they could make something out of Babbitt as a stretch four, considering they hold his Bird Rights. And with McRoberts, there still are those cap concerns with his player option for next season. Between Babbitt and Derrick Williams is sure seems like a position where the Heat could clear roster space for a younger prospect (Okaro White), knowing, as you mention, that James Johnson is capable of taking minutes there, as well. Q: We need a closer. Someone please just emerge from this pile and be a leader. Maybe we just have a bunch of complimentary players. -- Mark, Cooper City. Q: Hi, Ira. How are we to determine which position we need when we still havent defined positions for Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, and Tyler Johnson That supposedly is our future young core. At this point, give them all the minutes and trade away players that would cut into their minutes. -- Joshua, Delray Beach. A: But there are risks with that approach, as well. Its like leaving a pitcher or a goalie in too long when its not their night. That can shatter confidence. And thats the balance the Heat and Erik Spoelstra have to walk. You want to grow your players, but you also want to grow them in an atmosphere that is not too toxic. So that can mean on the night when Winslow or Richardson or Tyler Johnson to perhaps back off so a 1 of 7 doesnt turn into a confidence-sapping 2 of 15. That also is why you have to play to win the games, so when those players are having good nights it doesnt consistently get soured with a bad overall result. These are testing time for both players and franchise. There are no easy answers, but what you cant do is allow these moments to sour the outlook of your future components going forward. Q: I think Justise Winslow can be a great No. 2 option. I just dont think his ceiling is Kawhi Leonard. Justises ceiling is Luol Deng. -- Dallas, Staten Island, N. Y. A: The Heat can only hope so. In fact, if Winslow can reach the mid-range consistency that Deng developed, he would work well going forward alongside Hassan Whiteside. Look, what you are trying to do with a roster is check off as many boxes as possible. With Winslow, you can fill the category of quotperimeter stopper. quot I dont think any of the teams that coveted Winslow in the draft coveted him as a franchise player, nor necessarily did the Heat at a time they had Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. If Winslow can, in fact, as you say, become a No. 2 option, that would put the Heat ahead of the curve. Im not sure Deng truly even stood at that point in his career. Q: If Goran Dragic gets traded, it should only be for multiple draft picks. I like his game. I liked him when he was in Phoenix and was elated when the Heat got him. -- Robert, Falls Church, Va. A: I doubt, with the premium the new collective-bargaining agreement places on draft picks, that the Heat could get a package that includes more than one first-round pick for Goran, especially when considering the Heat could have to take back a similar salary (unless cap space is utilized). Ultimately, those two potential lottery picks the Heat sent to the Suns will come as a punitive reminder of when the Heat never saw these outcomes with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. So all of it comes down to whether you ride with Dragic into his 30s, or turn to youth and potential salary-cap relief. Q: Ira, put aside what Goran Dragic wants, because that almost never matters when a team makes a trade. What you didnt address was whether you would trade him. -- Henry. A: For all the observations I offer in my blog, and for all of my instant (something too-instant) analysis I offer after trades, I dont actually get a say in the process. That probably is better for all parties involved. What I will say is the Dragic speculation certainly has merit, if only because of how dramatically the circumstances have changed between when he was brought in and now, with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh gone. However, I also believe this is not a situation when you act with haste. To me, you trade Dragic if you know you can get a lottery-level point guard who has displayed the possibilities of immediately stepping into an NBA lineup (and Junes draft might actually prove prospects at that level) or if you can secure a similar talent in free agency at a more cost-efficient salary-cap price point, something you likely wont know until July. For all the South Florida focus on what Dragic isnt, opposing coaches offer nightly glowing pregame analysis of Dragic, including from Alvin Gentry before Fridays game in New Orleans. When considering a Dragic trade, be careful of what you wish for, and remember the lineage at the position for the Heat between Tim Hardaway and Goran. And also keep in mind how much Dragic wants to be here, including pushing through back spasms in Fridays loss. Put it this way, how many nights have there been when you didnt believe Dragic gave ultimate effort And then ask yourself about some of the others he has played alongside. Q: Hassan Whiteside should be the third-best player on a contender. Someone always stat-stuffs on mediocre teams, be it Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, etc. -- C. J. A: Which is why Erik Spoelstra always gets back to quotwinning plays. quot And thats what you have to see when considering the two most important questions with any player in the NBA: Can that player lead you to the playoffs Can that player lead you to a championship In some ways, even with his shooting struggles, Justise Winslow has shown that quality. And Hassan was starting to show it during last seasons playoffs before he was injured. But what the Heat need to get to with Whiteside are stats. and wins. Yes, he faced brutal challenges in the post Friday. But its also about hustling back on defense when one possession can change a game, which certainly was the case Friday. Q: The Heat will go nowhere without one guy who can take over a game, and unless some general manager trades a franchise player or any one of the 2017 free agents turns into something theyre historically not, I say go for Markelle Fultz or Josh Jackson. -- William. A: Which, of course, is why there is so much askance viewing of the Heats current situation. And Im not sure I can disagree. One colleague told me he is convinced that Gordon Hayward can answer that need for the Heat in free agency. Im not convinced of that. By a longshot. A nice player Sure. A franchise player Not sold. But Hayward, even at his free-agency money, is far more likely to give you something tangible than the all-or-nothing gambit on a one-and-done collegian. I think the ultimate answer for the Heat could be a trade for an overprized distressed property, eventually utilizing Chris Boshs salary-cap space. Q: I saw some flashes of Justice Winslow trying to lead the team Thursday night, but then I also saw him being out of control, too. Do you see any future with him as a possible leading man rather than a role player if he improves his shooting -- Darcy, Nashville, Tenn. A: What the victory over the Lakers showed is that Justise has to play in attack mode in order to maximize his skill set. And he is able to play in attack mode when others are spacing the floor, as the Heat did with their 11-of-22 3-point shooting. This time, Justise took just a single 3-pointer and initiated most of his offense either in transition or from the elbow. Part of that was the way the Lakers defended, and part of it was both teams electing to play small when their centers were out (the Lakers because of injuries the Heat by choice). But you could see the aggression across the board, with Justise also closing with 13 rebounds, four steals and three assists. Moments like Thursdays are why so many were intrigued during the 2015 draft. The potential is there. And while the range might not be there, there still are ways to activate himself in the offense. Thursday, he clearly was activated. Q: Ira, the Heat will play hard, but after 30 games, regardless of injuries, I dont think we will see much better than we have seen so far. The young guys will get more experience, but the winning percentage will not change much. Am I wrong -- Robert. A: Actually, I believe the winning percentage will improve, if only because of so many bad breaks in so many close games (Serge Ibakas over-the-shoulder toss in the Magic game, really). But I agree that the upside of what is in place, with the expected inconsistency of youth, likely would be .500 play the rest of the way, which would yield a 36-46 finish. And even that could be challenging in the short run, with nine of the next 11 on the road. If the Heat are still a mere 10 below .500 on Jan. 14, after their six-game circus trip, then perhaps the 36-win level could be attained or possibly surpassed. But thats asking a lot with the upcoming road games in Charlotte, Boston, against the Clippers and at Golden State. Q: Do you think Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside are good enough to be the foundation of this team Why with Dragic and Whiteside are the Heat not winning more -- Verum. A: Which is a very good question and one that has to be answered sooner rather than later. I would have thought the answer would have been yes. But until the Heat add a scoring wing to the mix, Im not sure if well get to know. Right now the pressure is on the two to play a two-man game, and there has to be more from any team than the single action of a one-five pick-and-roll. All too often, the spacing is lacking because of a lack of 3-point shooting. So the real question is whether the Heat can afford to bide their time with Dragic and Whiteside while waiting on a wing scorer, or whether something has to be sacrificed in the interim to get that wing scorer. You could see the possibilities on Thursday night, when Winslow, Tyler Johnson and James Johnson were so effective. But that also was against the Lakers dreary defense. Q: Ira, quotfranchise playerquot quotFranchise playerquot Hassan Whiteside is not playing the game one against five. Franchise player is not playing the game solely. Send LeBron James out there all by himself and see how many games he wins. Put more than complementary players around Hassan and you will see how they will complement the young man. -- Masoud, Tucson, Ariz. Q: Tuesday was a fun game to watch. Im not expecting much from them and I dont think Whiteside is a franchise player. Chris Bosh was our last. -- Edward. A: The franchise-player debate is a fascinating one, and not something a player can bestow upon himself. It also is not a measure of salary. In fact, Im not even sure Bosh ever was a quotfranchise player, quot because of the limited success his teams had in Toronto and the complementary game he played with the Heat alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, both of whom were. I think its particularly difficult for a big man to be a franchise player, because it often requires a playmaker getting him the ball (yes, I know there have been exceptions, but many of those big-man exceptions also played with exceptional point guards). I think the quotfranchise playerquot portion of Whitesides comments might have been over the top, but not his desire for the ball. Thats a good thing, to want to dominate. But part of it also is learning how to dominate, and that takes time, not just being one or two months removed from being a complementary component. Q: Does it not make more sense to start Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and play Tyler Johnson more I think we need to find out if these players are part of the Heat future. Lets play them as much as we can to see if they stick. -- Chris, Miami. A: And with Rodney McGruders ankle injury, the Heat were able to get to that Tuesday night. And, I agree, should stay with it. The only way to fully explore Winslows positional possibilities is to explore them. Is he a small forward or a power forward (which basically is an issue of whether he can defend opposing power forwards) So not only do there have to be nights like Tuesday where he starts at small forward, but also perhaps some time at power forward going forward, as well. On the other hand, the Heat cannot afford to fall in love with Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson as franchise cornerstones if thats perhaps not who they are. Again, play them and see. There is little downside to experimenting when you have this roster and this record. Q: Ira, can you foresee a trade possibility with teams like the Celtics (so many future draft picks) or a team in need of a passing big man for Josh McRoberts -- Luis, Miami. A: Based on what the word was last summer, when the Heat were considering ways to expand camp space amid the Dwyane Wade negotiations, it wont be as much a matter of what the Heat could get in return, but rather if there is any possibility of offloading McRoberts 2017-18 player-option year. As was the case then, I would have to believe that any team willing to take on McRoberts essentially could get him with nothing going the Heats way in return. For now, the Heat continue to showcase. Q: Do franchise players refer to themselves as franchise players -- Z. Z. A: To get those up to speed who went to bed early, or at least shortly after Tuesdays double-overtime loss to the Magic, in the wake of getting only three shots combined in the two overtime periods, Hassan Whiteside said when asked if he is getting enough touches, quotThey say Im the franchise player. I would think I should get more. But, I dont know, man. I dont think so to be honest. Coach is going to coach. quot The thing is, what Pat Riley has said is he believes with growth that Whiteside can become the focus of the offense. The problem, at least from this perspective, is that when you go with relative NBA neophytes such as Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow, youre not necessarily going to get the cleanest offense. And while Goran Dragic was on the court for those minutes, he increasingly has been standing alone as the primary perimeter option (although Tyler Johnson did a good job of attacking Tuesday). The dilemma is while you develop the rest of your roster, the clock is ticking on each of these 20 million-plus seasons with Whiteside. And if you draft a rookie point guard, then youre resetting the clock again. But for all the make-nice comments from the team, how are these beliefs from Whiteside going to get resolved Because its not as if he wasnt also doing it on his own, when it came to his 15 rebounds and five blocks shots. Q: Spoelstra should have used James Johnson. -- Leo. A: I was thinking the same thing during the latter stages Tuesday, when the exhausted Heat needed energy and someone who could create his own offense, perhaps even get a body on Serge Ibaka to slow him down. But what I don8217t know, what has not been truly delineated by the Heat, is what is the endgame for this season Is it to season the younger players at all costs Which makes such pressure moments as Tuesday invaluable going forward. Or is to compete enough so that the team can appreciate playing to win Because if that is that case, then based on his body of work, James Johnson deserved to play more than 23 seconds combined in the two overtimes. Q: How does losing in such fashion repeatedly help the development of the core young players If anything, its stunting growth and establishing palpable fear late in games that trickles down to affect every aspect of decision making. How does the coaching staff address this -- Adam, West Palm Beach. A: You address it by mixing in enough that gives you the best chance to win -- if winning is, indeed, the ultimate goal. The mood in the locker room was somber Tuesday, as it has been after so many of these close losses, like the ones the past three games when also factoring what happened against the Clippers and Celtics. This is when one more veteran piece could have helped, like the veteran piece the Magic has in Serge Ibaka, or even what Jeff Green provided in his been-there, done-that minutes. The Heat have lacked that piece this entire season. Injuries certainly have been a factor, and with a Wayne Ellington or Dion Waiters, Tuesdays outcome might have been different. But it wasnt. It only was disheartening, based on the faces in the locker room. Q: Are there at least five players on the Heat that we can see probably getting traded -- Rolando. A: Five Five Im not sure anyone will be, because its the market that creates the interest. I think it essentially is down to whether the Heat trade Goran Dragic. First, you cant rush to Hassan Whitesides doorstep the first hour of free agency and then turn around and trade a supposed franchise cornerstone. Beyond that, there is a reason the players the Heat added in the offseason were available. So its not as if any team is second-guessing allowing them to get away. And you cant give up on cost-effective youth at this stage, which puts Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow out of the equation. Beyond that, Tyler Johnson can veto any trade this season, so I doubt any outside team would even make overtures. So, really, it could start and end with Dragic. And that comes down to where the Heat stand on Feb. 23, the NBA trading deadline, and whether such a trade would net affordable long-range assets, such as draft picks or players on the rookie scale. Q: Would it be plausible for the Heat to trade, say, Luke Babbitt for a second-round pick and then call up a D-Leaguer like Okaro White or Briante Weber -- Jorel. A: I doubt there would be any type of trade market for Babbitt or Derrick Williams or any of the other players on one-year deals who have fallen out of the rotation. But there is nothing to stop the Heat from waiving a player such as Babbitt to create a roster spot, and then lock in a White, Weber or any other young free agent to a multi-year deal in order to have insurance against the cap. That seemingly certainly will be the case when Chris Bosh is waived. Remember, Tyler Johnson was a midseason addition from the D-League and that move paid early, affordable dividends. Q: Erik Spoelstra should know that Tyler Johnson is not a point guard. -- Gene. A: Spoelstras response assuredly would be that Johnson is a guard. Periode. But you can see that when Johnson is on the floor and Goran Dragic is not that the Heat need another ballhandler, such as Justise Winslow or Josh Richardson. Several opponents, including the Celtics on Sunday, have applied immediate pressure when Johnson enters to run the offense. His ballhandling is not yet at NBA level for a point guard. Q: Ira, I know a lot of us want to see wins every night out or at least the competitive energy from core players every time out. But in reality dont the core young guys have to go through this to get to where we all hope they can get to down the road I mean we are talking about three second-year players and a 27-year-old that was playing at the YMCA a few years ago. Dont they have to go through the ups and downs of an NBA season to eventually understand how to win and how to want to be that guy every night I think thats why its important that those four get the playing time and all of the good and bad that come with it. -- Doug, Oakland, Calif. A: Which is why games such as Sundays might be the perfect mix for the Heat. Players such as Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson and Hassan Whiteside all get significant fourth-quarter minutes, the home crowd gets to witness a compelling finish, and no damage is done to the Heats lottery chances. No, this had nothing to do with tanking, but the result included the means to also advance the younger players, as you mentioned. It allowed Winslow to experience the desperation of late-game situations. It afforded Richardson the opportunity to take big shots. And it showed Whiteside that even more is needed. When is a loss not a total loss When it allows players to make gains. Q: Too many slow starts for the Heat. Richardson and Winslow need to start the games from here on out. Need some more life. -- Mac, Toronto. A: I thought Winslow should have been in Sundays starting lineup, and believe that should be the case going forward. Are you grooming him as a backup Or are you going to take this relatively low-pressure situation in order to advance his possibilities I can understand appreciating the energy of Tyler Johnson off the bench. But if Winslows upside is only that of a utility player, then you are in trouble, anyway. At worst, youll fail forward. Q: Erik Spoelstra had 6-foot-3 players guarding Jaw Crowder and Al Horford and didnt play Josh McRoberts when he is one of our best defenders. -- Leon. A: First of all, yes, Goran Dragic did open defensively on Crowder, but it was James Johnson (albeit undersized) who was on Horford during some late possessions. As for McRoberts, it has been three years and I still have trouble with what the Heat actually think of him. Hes been deemed worthy of starting, but the minutes remain minimal. I can understand wanting to play Winslow at power forward in some situations, but it does not seem that McRoberts is trusted as much late as early. Just a tough read. Q: Ira, with all due respect to Rodney McGruder, not only is he not a scorer, hes also too small to defend bigger opponents and does not draw defensive attention when he has the ball. You have to have a wing player who knows how to score and defend in order to put yourself in a position where you at least have a chance to win. Once Dion Waiters comes back, do you see McGruder being out of the rotation -- Darryl, Fitzgerald, Ga. A: I understand that Erik Spoelstra put together the current lineup out of necessity, that with Justise Winslow out for all those games, he needed another facilitator, thus the addition of Josh McRoberts. But as this season teeters, it is important not to lose sight of this being the means to greater success down the road. So with Winslow now showing he again is fit enough for starters minutes, and with Tyler Johnson expected back, I would start Winslow at power forward and Josh Richardson either at shooting guard or small forward (depending on whether Wayne Ellington is able to play). That still would leave the energy of Tyler Johnson and James Johnson off the bench. Winslow and Richardson are the future. While McGruder might be part of that future, it almost assuredly will not be as a starter. Yes, its early in the season. But it also might be getting late when it comes to meaningful games for the Heat. Q: The Heat really dont have that closer (like Dwyane Wade or a similar star) who can win a game like against the Clippers. Toward the end of the game, when it got close, it didnt seem like anyone on the Heat wanted the ball. It was pass the hot potato. Also Hassan Whiteside didnt get the ball in the fourth quarter as the game wound down. Its hard to justify 98 million when he isnt a go-to guy. Superstars find a way. -- Stuart. A: Which is why you use these games and this season to see who that player might be. Perhaps it will be Justise Winslow, with an attacking style that could get him to the foul line. Perhaps Josh Richardson or Tyler Johnson, who has displayed all kinds of courage in fourth quarters. As for Whiteside, if you cant make a free throw, then you are allows giving the defense a potential bailout in those situations. So continue to explore your options, while also making sure that the end-game doesnt turn into hack-a-Hassan. Q: Do you think the Heat have enough to contend for a playoff seed or do you think the Heat should quotrestquot their way to the lottery I know we have legitimate injury concerns now, but Im not sure that the Heat might not be stretching the recovery times out longer in order to play the lottery. On the other hand, I think Pat Riley would go all out for the playoffs if there was a chance for that to happen. -- Robert, Miami. A: I agree about Riley and about the Heat not being in a place where they are that far from getting back into playoff contention. But I agree that it appears the urgency of getting players back in the lineup is not quite what it has been in recent seasons. That doesnt mean that Im not totally wrong. Im just talking about appearances, and how there have been so few short-term absences this season. Q: Hi, Ira. I have been waiting for the new CBA negotiations to end to ask you this question. I know everybody is talking about trading Goran Dragic, even the fans keep saying that, which doesnt make sense. Why would Pat Riley even consider trading Dragic, when he is earning far less than any player of his caliber -- Gago, Los Angeles. A: That is a point Ive been making since we found out exactly where these maximum salaries are going, which is to a stratosphere double where Goran stands with his 17 million salary next season. But that also could come down to whether the Heat find a value contract at point guard in the draft, or even better value in free agency (which certainly appears unlikely). Thats the thing, its one thing to talk about an upgrade, but how much of an upgrade is actually out there, and how many upgrades would be at a price point similar to Gorans Of course, if the Heat believe that Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson can handle the position over the long run, then addressing other areas would make sense. I dont see that immediate possibility with either Johnson or Richardson. As it is, performances like Fridays from Dragic show that he can put you in position to win against elite talent. Q: The Heat should have rested players Friday against the Clippers, with winnable games upcoming against the Celtics, Magic and Lakers. Pat Riley should have said something to Erik Spoelstra. -- Matt. A: Only you dont do that when youre in the Heats position and not when you have a day off before and a day off after. But thats where the Heat stand these days, with a roster largely incapable of beating the NBAs true elite, be it the Spurs, Cavaliers and now Clippers. It is why giving away those other home games was so painful. But you are correct that there should be greater hope over the final three games of this homestand against the Celtics, Magic and Lakers And if there is to be any realistic playoff hope, this is a homestand that requires a 5-1 record. So you move beyond Fridays game, hope Tyler Johnson is not ill on Sunday against the Celtics, hope Wayne Ellington can make it back with his hamstring (unlikely) and try to maximize the longest homestand of the season. Q: How can Hassan Whiteside saying the DeAndre Jordan quotjust catches lobsquot not be seen as insulting -- Lauren. A: Context. He was saying thats all that DeAndre has to do in a lineup that also features Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and J. J. Redick. In fact, I believe Hassan would it find it anything but insulting if he had to go back to a similar role, with a roster stocked to the point it was when the Heat had Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. And, you know what, pretty much all DeAndre Jordan does is catch lobs. With the re-emergence of the center position, it would not be shocking to see Jordan go from first-team All-NBA to off all three of those teams. Chalk it up to Whitesides learning curve. And with his pregame clarification Friday, it does appear that he is making progress in that area, as well. Q: I would really love to see James Johnson re-sign. His play off the bench on a potentially contending team could be huge. My question is how likely is he to stay Do you see J. J. fitting in the payroll on a salary close to this year, or is he outplaying that level of contract -- A. I. A: Johnson is earning 4 million this season and the reason he likely will command far more in the offseason goes beyond his impressive recent play. Under the soon-to-be-ratified new collective-bargaining agreement, the mid-level exception this summer is expected to fall into the range of 8 million, twice what Johnson is earning this season. And with maximum contracts rising to 36 million starting next season, the math is going to get particularly challenging for cap-space teams such as the Heat. Johnson has had nothing but praise about his Heat experience. But a lot can change between December and July. It could come down to Johnsons play reaching a level where the Heat view him as significant as the longshot chance for a second near-maximum free agent. And remember, Johnson does not have any sort of Bird Rights, so cap space will be the only means to retain him beyond a sizeable salary cut. Q: Whats the point in winning, honestly I mean the ceiling for this team would be anywhere from 10th to eighth place. If by a miracle the Heat actually place eighth in the East they will be dismantled and embarrassed by Cleveland. And if they dont make the playoffs, they will just get a worse draft pick. I just truly dont understand it. This way we will be stuck in mediocrity. -- Bruno, Fort Lauderdale. A: Because to win, you have to learn how to win. And if you poison Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson and even Hassan Whiteside with the notion that losing is acceptable, then you just might be poisoning their careers going forward for the hope that a lottery pick will be at least as good as any of them (which is not a guarantee, especially with that pick likely to be a one-and-done 19-year-old). If you take that approach then you might as well completely clean house, because you otherwise are developing a toxic atmosphere, turning your franchise into something that more closely resembles the Kings. Q: Ira, did you know Craig Sager I am very sad. -- Jeff. A: We all are. He was the same person privately as the one you saw on television, inquisitive and gregarious. As I posted on Twitter, every flight I took alongside Craig was a flight that ended too soon. He not only had stories, he listened. He made sure to enjoy himself and made you enjoyed yourself. I learned a lot from Craig, and it transcended something as insignificance as sports. Q: Is James Johnson the guy left on the outside with Justise Winslow available and Rodney McGruder starting -- Matt. A: First, the lineup likely will wind up in as much flux as the rotation, itself. Beyond Udonis Haslem, who has not been playing, the players most likely to fall out of the rotation are Luke Babbitt and Derrick Williams, both of whom were held out Wednesday. In fact, if the Heat seek to create a roster spot before a decision is made on Chris Bosh (and Okaro White has been tearing it up for their D-League affiliate), it would not be a shock if Luke Babbitt were to be waived, with no option or Heat contractual commitment going forward beyond this season. It was a bit of surprise to see Willie Reed in the rotation Wednesday with Winslow back, but that likely was a factor of Hassan Whiteside being called for two first-quarter fouls. Q: Sometimes. that No. 21. -- Mike. A: Which is why the expectations are and should be high with Hassan Whiteside. Because he can. And the way this team is built and the way the teams salaries are structured, more performances like Wednesdays would be embraced. Thats the thing -- he can do it. The next step is as often as possible, accepting that not every player can possibly have it every game over this 82-game grind. To a man, teammates said after Wednesdays game that Hassan is the key to opening this rosters possibilities. He did on Wednesday, with just about every one of those 26 points and 22 rebounds needed. Q: Would you agree that Miami has found the perfect backup for Hassan Whiteside Willie Reed is known for his defense but I dont think people are aware of how crafty he is on offensive end. Hes a decent mid - range shooter and has skills down in the post. Needless to say, I hope management considers him a piece to go along with Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow, Tyler Johnson, and Josh Richardson for the future. -- D. J. Tallahassee. A: This is a chance, especially at his price point. The Heat attempted to go small earlier in the season. But for all the talk of Josh McRoberts primarily playing at center, that has not been the case recently. Of course, with the way the results have been lately, its not as if Erik Spoelstra is locked into any approach. A lot of it with Reed at the moment is how the opposition goes off the bench in the middle. If they go small, it will limit his opportunities. That proved to be the case Wednesday, with Al Jefferson limited to 10 minutes for the Pacers. That reduced the need for Reed, who only went seven. Q: Ira, do you think its best if Miami keeps Justise Winslow out for the rest of the season The guy has a lot of potential and can possibly be a future star. The last thing youd want is to damage that, right -- Darryl, Fitzgerald, Ga. A: First, that is not happening, with it looking more and more as if Justise will be back this week. And he needs to get back. And he needs to reestablish his confidence after a rough shooting start to the season. And the Heat have to get a read, as soon as possible, about where he fits in the plans going forward. Pat Riley said in July that the blueprint was to lock in Winslow as the teams small forward of the future. But if the reality shows otherwise, that Winslow might be more of a sixth-man defensive stopper, then the Heat needs to learn that, as well. While there has been plenty of second-guessing about taking Winslow over Devin Booker or even Myles Turner, thats all moot at this stage. But what the Heat have to learn going forward is whether there still is a need for a small forward of the future, and whether that needs to either be mined in the draft (Josh Jackson), free agency (Gordon Hayward) or in a trade (Rudy Gay). The Heat not only need Winslow back, they have to see as much of Justise as possible the balance of this season. Q: Who said the Heats turnaround has to be after this year What about long-term planning Plan for two years, three years down the road. Have patience to contend. -- C. J. A: Because thats not the vibe the Heat have been putting out, nor should it be, with the potential windfall of recouping Chris Boshs salary-cap space and then having the opportunity in both the draft and free agency (or through trades) for immediate splashes. When you are spending like you are spending on Hassan Whiteside, you dont want each of those 20 million seasons to tick away without anything tangible in the standings. If the Heat, indeed, had a three - or four-year plan, then the outlay on Whiteside might have been better spent on a player younger than 27. No, part of what makes Pat Riley who he is is patience that expires after one year. Yes, he has stepped back at times, be it in 2007-08 or even 2014-15. But its never about doing it with a long-term vision that includes future suffering. That hasnt been the Heats way since the Heats way became Rileys way. Q: The Grizzlies are rolling. Should the Heat have promoted David Fizdale to head coach -- Rob. A: I can assure you that there was no way Fizdale ever was going to even consider taking over for Spoelstra, not that it ever was an issue. No, Spoelstra groomed Fizdale for this moment with many of the same tenets that the Heat utilize, with many inside the Grizzlies organization taking note of the imported culture. What it shows is that the Heats way still has a place in the NBA. And, again, if Erik Spoelstra ever became an ex-Heat coach, his phone would be ringing within a matter of minutes. Q: Can we play the Wizards every night -- Dan. A: Because, yes, the Heat are 2-0 against the Wizards and 6-17 against the rest of their schedule. The thing is, with this Heat roster, beating the elite teams is going to be a challenge, so you can more easily move past the two losses to the Spurs, the one to Cleveland, accept the split with the Grizzlies and justify the losses in Toronto, Portland, Atlanta and Chicago. But its the other ones, against teams similar to the Wizards, that got away that are the ones that continue to sting. If the Heat were able to hold their own against the middling, they wouldnt be in the position theyre in, where even a 4-2 homestand still would leave them eight games below .500. Now they have to find a way to quality wins, as well, like on this homestand against the Clippers and Celtics. Q: Ira, what is the status on Dion Waiters I would love to see him playing with Ellington -- Leo. A: He is supposed to be reevaluated this week, but that is just the first step toward a potential return. He was the lone player on the roster not to go through Mondays shootaround. But unless he claims the minutes of Wayne Ellington -- and the Heat appear to relish the spacing that Ellington can provide -- Im not sure where Waiters fits, now that Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson all are playing significant minutes. At the start of the season, the Heat often had to turn to Waiters one-on-one offense. The offense is in a different place right now, and it8217s not as if Waiters is known for his defense, even though it certainly has been passable this season. Q: Goran Dragic needs to be traded as soon as possible. This dude is going to cause Miami to miss out on Josh Jackson, and Pat Riley would be stupid to do that. -- Aura. A: This certainly is a long, strange ride this season, what with solid efforts making players both essential to the moment, but possibly detrimental to the future. I still believe that if Goran can play and stay up to his potential, then at least for coming seasons, he would remain a valuable asset to the Heat. But I do see solid efforts from some players potentially setting up those players for trades. So you could say its a win-win, unless you are one of those players who is not sure what is going on. All I know is Monday felt good in the arena and in the locker room. And isnt that still part of the equation Q: Josh Richardson is a flat-out baller and top-notch guy. He and Udonis Haslem are only Heat players I consider untouchables in regards to trades. -- C. J. A: I chose to respond here not because of any such notion of Richardson or Haslem being untouchable (although Haslem has the right to block any trade because of his contract status), but, rather, to get to the greater question of: Are any Heat players off the table To be candid, I dont think so, which could make those decisions difficult when purchasing Heat jerseys as Christmas gifts. Start with Hassan Whiteside and all these attempts Erik Spoelstra has made to get Whitesides motor running at a consistently greater gear. Then there is Goran Dragic, who could be the Heats ticket to replenishing in the draft. Beyond that, I would have to believe that the right deal could land Justise Winslow, Richardson or Tyler Johnson, if anyone is willing to take on the final two years of his contract (he, too, can block any trade until the offseason). The point being is there are no untouchables here. And based on where this appears headed, that only makes sense. For the right package of prospects andor picks, Id have to believe that anything and everything will be explored. Q: Curious to why Tyler Johnson doesnt start It seems to me like he outperforms Rodney McGruder and Wayne Ellington on a nightly basis. -- Jacques. A: First, I would not put stock into anything about lineups or rotations amid all these injuries. But when the Heat were closer to healthy at the start of the season, Johnson helped provide scoring off the bench when Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters were starting. It could be as simple as waiting to see whenif Dragic is traded, to see if Johnsons move into the starting lineup could perhaps come at point guard. As a backup, thats where most of Johnsons minutes have been spent. Q: Derrick Williams looks lost, lacking confidence, and sporadic playing time has really messed him up. Is his career still salvageable with the Heat -- Doug, Alameda, Calif. A: Williams is one of those players that you wonder about from afar, convinced that the athleticism and hustle could and should translate into something. But when you see him up close and often, you get a sense that all that athleticism and hustle isnt translatable into something tangible from a basketball perspective. Derrick looks like he should be capable of contributing. But that hasnt been the case very often to this stage, either with the Heat, or seemingly elsewhere. To add the type of perspective many in this space apparently would welcome: Im not sure that Michael Beasley wouldnt give you more. Q: Ira, do you see us turning this around at all I dont think this is an issue of Miami being overhyped in the preseason, but more of us just not playing as good as we should. Were certainly better than were playing, in my option. -- Anthony. A: The next step from here, obviously, is health. But how the Heat choose to take their next steps could be a fascinating study. Having already fallen behind the pack, do the Heat go back to what this season always was about, namely featuring and seasoning young players such as Justise Winslow, Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson and even Hassan Whiteside Or are veterans and potential rental pieces such as Dion Waiters, Luke Babbitt and James Johnson injected back into the mix as a means of upgrading the record, especially with the Heat entering a six-game homestand at a time when some ticket-renewal decisions are due Again, health has to come first. What follows could be an opening of the window to whats next over these final four months of the season. Q: When everyone get healthy, can you see Rodney McGruder starting for this team His defense and effort every night has given the Heat and endless motor. -- Migz. A: And thats a name I left off above and probably should not have, with McGruder showing the type of potential that Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson offered when they were given their chances. Taking a long view, the most likely slot for McGruder would be in a tag-team role with Winslow, as the Heats designated perimeter stopper. While I dont see them starting together, I could see them on the floor together at the ends of games, when the Heat need a defensive stand. It probably would be wise to include McGruder on the list of prospects the Heat could increase their focus with if the playoffs are eliminated from the equation. But he has to make himself into more of an offensive threat, although an argument could be made that hes ahead of Winslow from that standpoint. Q: The Heat were forced to overpay for Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside and Tyler Johnson. Theyre going to have to be lucky now to build a contender with those contracts. -- C. J. A: Actually, there likely will be a reprieve with Boshs contract, potentially as early as Feb. 9, the one-year anniversary of his last game played before he yet again was sidelined due to blood clots. And it simply is too early to define how its going to play out with Whiteside and Johnson. Both have the ability to play up to their pay grade. With each, its a matter of consistency. Thats what seasons such as these are about, growing that consistency. Q: Anything on Hassan Whiteside being manhandled and quitting on the team -- Leo. A: First, I believe that is being a bit too severe. What I dont think was too severe was Erik Spoelstra yanking Hassan early in the third period, when the defense went from bad to worse. This is what has to be done, and its a significant part of coaching. It not only sent a message to Whiteside, but also to teammates that anything less than everything will not be tolerated. I said at the start of the season that an 82-game player is going to have about 10 games when he doesn8217t have it. Thats just part of the grueling nature of NBA life. But they cant keep on coming without accountability. Friday was a moment that could resonate with Hassan. The shame is that on a roster of so many strangers it is more difficult for the players to handle it on their own in the locker room. The Heat paid Whiteside to be great and Whiteside said he wants to be great. Greatness finds a way. On this team, it has to start and stop with Hassan. And it has to be about far more than stats. Q:Whiteside just doesnt get the ball in the post. Its inexcusable at this point in the season. They are going around him. -- Victor. A: No, theyre not. And part of that is fighting for such a tight seal and such deep post position that an entry pass cant be denied. Post play is hard work. But at the moment, this has nothing to do with offense. For the most part, that has been turned around. This is about a defense that has to be anchored by an active, aggressive, agile big man. The best way for Hassan to win back teammates after Friday night is to win them back on the defensive end. Q: There is a reason Miami went from arguably the best defense when Justise Winslow was available to one of the worst defenses when he is out. Miamis defensive foundation should be built around Justise Winslow, sort of like how the Spurs defense is based around Kawhi Leonard. -- Mac, Toronto. A: Which is sort of a rebuke to those who say its all about surrounding Whiteside with four shooters. One upside with all these absences is the Heat also are exploring the defensive possibilities of Rodney McGruder. The upshot of all of this could be a pair of defensive stoppers going forward. So there is that. Q: With John Walls comment about his teammates, is this the type of opportunity for Pat Riley to capitalize on -- V. S. A: Those familiar with this space appreciate that I rarely venture into trade speculation, because there are too many unknowns, including what it actually takes to make a deal (your question offered up the possibility of Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow for Wall and Otto Porter, but Im not sure the Wizards wouldnt value Porter more than Winslow). Yet the one thing I will acknowledge is that there do appear to be chemistry issues with the Wizards, something a coaching change seemingly hasnt solved. And the one thing about Riley is that distressed property does seem to be his real estate, be it Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille ONeal or even Dragic, himself. Most, if not all, NBA talent scouts, would have Wall, based on ability and potential, rated significantly ahead of Dragic, and its not as if the Heat are in any position to throw in draft picks to sweeten such a deal, with a pair of first-rounders still owed for Dragic. But the Wall possibilities do appear to grow more interesting by the day, particularly at moments of venting. The Heats next home game is against the Wizards, on Monday night, so perhaps well see if there is a welcome wagon in place. Q: I feel like Hassan Whiteside needs to pass more and get others involved. -- Doug, Alameda, Calif. A: And that is the other part of the equation to those emphasizing that the Heat need to get the ball more often to Hassan. The point being that the goal should be creating the best shots possible. Some of Whitesides early attempts against the Hawks, and then his attempt to go full-court off the dribble, couldnt help but dissuade others from sending the ball into Whiteside. Part of demanding more from teammates is being a better teammate. Some of this comes down to Whiteside being relatively new to such a featured role. But the concept of keeping the ball in motion should be one easy enough to grasp for both Hassan and his teammates. If he expects more from his teammates, then they have the right to expect more from him. Q: I have a feeling it will only get better once this entire team is healthy. It seems like Wayne Ellington has eased the pressure and everyone is more relaxed. Do you sense a turnaround once that happens -- Doug, Alameda, Calif. A: I certainly could see this team playing .500 ball for an extended period once all the pieces are back in place. But that re-start also could come at a time when the Heat are already 10 games below .500, meaning playing .500 from there would, at best, produce something along the lines of 36-46. And thats the problem, the ones that have gotten away in the interim. Q: In almost every game Hassan Whiteside has played against quotelitequot centers throughout his career, hes failed to get his game going. Im not sure hes ever played on par against an elite center, much less got the better of any of them. At some point to be an elite center, you have to show you can play with the top centers, sometimes losing the war, sometimes winning the war. But you have to show up, all the time. Thats why, in my opinion, hes not an All-Star big man. You just cant put up big numbers against average-to-poor big men. -- Matt. A: I believe there is plenty of hyperbole there, but I do agree that to be considered among the best, you have to complete with the best. This is where I sometimes find myself caught up in the argument of Whiteside as quotyouthfulquot prospect. On one hand, at 27, hes not so young. But in terms of NBA development, he still is somewhat in his infancy. What I find most troubling is this notion that opposing defenses are loading up against him, taking away his game. Thats what theyre supposed to do its the ultimate sign of respect. And yet, the All-Stars find a way, any way, on almost a nightly basis. So I believe were arguing the same point: There has to be more consistency, more of a way to find a way. Not every great center has had great pieces around them. And while defensive rules have allowed more packing of the paint in recent years, there still have been ample big men who have thrived. Some of it is up to Erik Spoelstra to make the accommodations. But a lot of it is on Whiteside to be what he wants to be. Q: I know Erik Spoelstra doesnt like to play one-dimensional players, but shouldnt the Heat try to find at least two more shooters like Wayne Ellington Remember who Orlando had as complementary pieces when Dwight Howard went to NBA Finals Remember who helped the Big Three in Miami Look at Houston, Golden State and Cleveland. Despite all the talent, they have role players that make threes. Getting shooters around Hassan Whiteside prevents the defense from collapsing on him. It seems crazy not to force the opponent into pick your poison. -- Stuart. A: Thing is, I think the Heat believed they had that shooting, with the ability to surround Whiteside with Josh McRoberts, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson and Goran Dragic, let alone Ellington And then the shots went up and clanked. And, all the while, the Heat attempted to find a place for Justise Winslow. Interestingly, the Hawks, amid their slide, began to develop the same issue, a lack of outside shooting leaving opponents more comfortable in packing the paint against Dwight Howard. The NBA is undeniably a shooting league, and the Heat need to find their way in that direction. Johnson took a step forward Wednesday, and yet the reality for Whiteside in that packed paint is that the Heat still have to win over the defenses respect. Q: This whole situation with these quotinjuriesquot seems like Pat Riley and Micky Arison just mailing it in. Its very frustrating to watch and understand. -- Dacota. A: Which makes this the perfect time for Pat Riley to sit down and publicly explain where things stand with the franchise. That shouldnt have to fall on Erik Spoelstra on a nightly basis. We just had a letter to season-ticket holders from Eric Woolworth, the Heats president on the business side, who spoke about quotour dynamic young core. quot Now it would appear to be Rileys time, as face of the franchise, to reset the front offices perspective. It is what Riley does very well. Q: Are the Heat tanking without making it obvious. These injuries seem quite odd. -- Danny. Q None of these injuries seem serious. Players have played through them before and now are missing multiple games. Has the tanking begun -- Jeffrey. Q: Miami tanking so early What a disgrace. -- Jay. A: When it comes to injuries, you have to take them at face value, since there are medical professionals involved. And, face it, almost as important as any lottery pick is getting young contributors such as Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson out on the court, if nothing more than to consider their possibilities going forward. The Heat need to know as much as possible about both players. Beyond that, playing shorthanded only increases the stresses on another component of the future in Hassan Whiteside, and the last thing you want to do is give him reason to give in. Actually, if the Heat wanted to extend the absences, they could have traveled players such as Dion Waiters, James Johnson and Luke Babbitt and then claim they did not have the opportunity to rehabilitate on the road, further delaying their comeback. Now, if veterans sit in February, March and April, when the standings preclude playoffs, thats when I think you can look at all of this with an askance glance, as was the case late in the 2007-08 season. For now, you just have to squint to count the number of available players, with Goran Dragic now dealing with a very real shoulder injury, and also vowing to play on. Q: Wayne Ellington is taking advantage of these starters minutes. Hes hustling. -- Chuck. A: And hes exactly what this Heat roster has lacked: a gunslinger. Even with his 3 of 9, he still was the only Heat player Tuesday with more than one 3-pointer. It used to be that Erik Spoelstra would be reluctant to utilize a player who largely was one-dimensional, which is why James Jones received such limited minutes. But amid this spate of injuries, Ellington has been able to display an energy that has made him a viable two-way contributor. Now, is it because hes so fresh after all that time off, or because of being in the best condition of his career Ellingtons play is going to make it very interesting when Dion Waiters is cleared to return, especially when considering the need to guarantee minutes to Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson and Justise Winslow. And Im not sure the Heat can afford to remove Rodney McGruder from the equation, because of his defensive grit. Of course, to be debating the starting merits of Ellington vs. Waiters also offers an indication of where the Heat stand, with both better suited to instant-offense duty off the bench. Q: Cant watch a team that is forced to give minutes to Derrick Williams. -- Wael. A: There is a reason for all those stops along this path that led him to the Heat. Unbridled athleticism Sure. But is there a way to rein that into something useful. Im not sure if Erik Spoelstra had more available that Williams would have been out there Tuesday night. But options are limited. All these years into it, and were still not sure what Williams is. Not sure the Heat know, either. Q: Ira, why doesnt Miami feed Hassan Whiteside more down the stretch Any time you have a Big Guy whos active like Whiteside was against Portland, you must reward him with the proper amount of touches to keep him engaged. -- Darryl, Fitzgerald, Ga. A: Hassan was largely smothered at the end of that game, just as he was when Goran Dragic attempted to feed him during the Heats final possession against the Jazz. But there have been plenty of times when Hassan has gotten an instant mismatch on pick-and-rolls and not gotten the ball. Those are the instances that deserve a second look. Part of that is the Heat playing at times with primary ballhandlers who are not instinctive point guards, such as Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson or even Dion Waiters. Part of that is Justise Winslow being out of action for so long. And part of it is its not as if the Heat are playing pick-and-roll with Josh McRoberts, who often is the best playmaker on the court. In addition, Dragic is at his best when playing with an attacking approach, which often has him as the one attacking the rim. All of that said, there should be more of a mandate that if Hassan has a positional advantage in the lane, he gets the ball. Periode. Q: Do you foresee Pat Riley attempting to trade for Russell Westbrook or Anthony Davis should any show discontent with their team I can easily see everyone on the Heat as a trade chip for any of these players. To me, these are the only two players to build a franchise around, with Davis being the number-one target. This might not make quotAsk Iraquot as its so far-fetched now but if any of them show just one moment of discontent, I see Riley having them on speed dial. -- Williams. A: Im not going to get into hypotheticals (which rarely happens in this space), but gladly will confirm your hypothesis, that if distressed quality merchandise comes on the market, Riley will be front and center with a bid. Thats what makes it so interesting about the Heat having the ability to get Chris Boshs salary-cap hit off the books before the Feb. 23 trading deadline, with that window opening on Feb. 9. All of that said, and to all the speculation about Heat trades, keep in mind the limited enticing resources the Heat have the ability to put into play. It is why having players thrive in games such as these also can serve as showcasing those players. Q: This is what happens when you have undersized players banging bigger and stronger players. Im sick of small lineups. -- Leon. A: Im not sure how a swollen wrist for Justise Winslow is a measure of casting him at power forward at times, or a sprained ankle for Josh Richardson is a factor of his playing small forward. And Luke Babbitt actually was playing down in position, at small forward, when he sustained his hip flexor. No, injuries happen. What I would agree with is that when players have to play bigger minutes because of injuries to others, thats when they could become exposed to exacerbated ailments of their own, such as Dion Waiters pushing through what initially appeared to be a minor ailment. Same with Winslow. Q: The Heat were much improved during the trip. And despite all Dion Waiters has done, his absence has helped the Heat. If he comes back, the Heat would have an excess of guards. -- Yusuf, Avenel, N. J. A: Its too early to think about thinning out the perimeter rotation, with Erik Spoelstra still sorting through the possibilities. Plus, Dion will be out for at least another week and a half, and thats only when his injury will be reevaluated. But taking the long view, with Goran Dragic thriving in a ball-dominant role, it only makes sense for Dion to transition back to his anticipated role, as a reserve guard, where the touches will be more plentiful. Keeping Dragic in rhythm is much more important than getting Dion back into a comfort zone. But if you do play Waiters off the bench, minutes still will be an issue, with the need to also find time for Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson, let alone Wayne Ellington. What the past week showed is that players play well in extended minutes, be it Ellington, Josh McRoberts or even Rodney McGruder. At some point, Spoelstra is going to have to tighten his rotation. And that leaves Waiters role a question mark. Q: The Heat look better with a shorter rotation. Could the injuries be a small blessing Most of the season has felt like throwing any combo out there and hoping something works. -- Eric, New York. A: Players generally play better when they can get into a rhythm. They also play better when allowed to develop an extended chemistry with a five-man unit. You see that almost annually when Josh McRoberts is ambulatory and active. But that doesnt mean that depth of talent also isnt a factor. Remember, the Heat have only played three back-to-back sets so far this season. Plenty of fatigue is still on the way. As it is, Tuesdays game against the Knicks opens the Heats lone stretch of four games in five nights this season. Where the depth kicks in is when the injuries kick in. That, of course, also requires patience, which will be tested for some when the roster gets fully healthy. Q: Rodney McGruder has grown so fast, that it seems he was the right choice. I think the McGruder has shown the needed fire. -- Yu. A: Looking back on the Heats final cuts, it certainly appears that the forward-thinking approach with Rodney made the most sense both then and now, although Im not sure the Heat ever envisioned this many starts so soon. In fact, had the Heat been healthy and stayed healthy, there certainly was the chance that McGruder might have found himself on assignment to the D-League. That said, there certainly were moments when Goran Dragic was injured that Beno Udrih could have helped. And there certainly remains plenty of intrigue with Briante Weber and his defensive disposition. Thats why it is a shame that the salary-cap machinations mandate that Chris Bosh maintain residence in one of the NBA-maximum 15 roster spots. And then there is the issue of Udonis Haslem holding another one, in almost a coaching-type role. Q: Josh McRoberts has got to do a lot more to make up for the past couple of years, but Im so happy to see him out as starting power forward. Rightfully so. -- Wael. A: And now is when it will get interesting when Justise Winslow gets back. With Wayne Ellington sparking the offense, it might have made sense to go with Winslow as the starting power forward. Im wondering now whether this could leave Winslow in a sixth-man type of role, to enter at any position other than center (or perhaps even then, with McRoberts moving to center). This is all you can ask for, is having to make the hard choices for the right reasons. And these are the choices that Erik Spoelstra wanted to have to have, to consider all the possibilities with all of his players healthy. That, of course, still is a bit away, based on the schedule for Dion Waiters and perhaps others. But it could come down to, on game nights, deciding whether have Luke Babbitt or Derrick Williams inactive, if Udonis Haslem remains on the active list. McRoberts, with his season scoring highs has created the exact type of decisions the Heat had hoped he could create. Q: Ira, could it be that this is what it has been all about, developing trade chips for Pat Riley to get his extra draft picks -- Steve. A: I dont believe that, in any way, was the intention when James Johnson, Dion Waiters and Wayne Ellington were added. And, yet, it could be an ancillary possibility if the Heat fall out of playoff contention and any or all of those players are playing well. Dec. 15 is the first day any of those three can be traded, and its simply too early to expect anything immediately. In fact, the Heat first have to get healthy, have enough ambulatory bodies to consider who to keep and who is expendable. That means getting Josh Richardson, Waiters and Justise Winslow back. Only at that point can Erik Spoelstra determine where his minutes will go. As it is, if the goal truly is playoffs, or at least a playoff push, then, at this point, it would appear that James Johnson, Ellington and Waiters are all necessary components moving forward. Zumindest für jetzt. Q: Why does it feel like that this Miami heat team is one moment or one play from coming together and being a very good team Ira, I say we keep James Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Dion Waiters. -- Will. A: And then there is that view. But against all of this you have to weigh the future, and the ultimate goal, which is to rebuild the roster into something that can eventually truly contend. Considering how the Heat allowed Luol Deng and Joe Johnson to so swiftly depart as free agents last summer, and how there was reluctance to extend Dwyane Wades money going forward, I highly doubt there will be any type of commitments to any players on this roster at the start of free agency. Now, if anyone is willing to wait, thats another story. But, for now, dont expect the Heat to commit anything to next summer beyond what is contractually committed. Q: With many on the current roster being on one - or two-year contracts, or with options, the take by some of the pundits, including yourself, is that they are simply rental players. Ich bin nicht einverstanden. While the team may have a boatload of cash this summer to spend on free agency, they may have trouble actually (wisely) spending it. And right now, they dont have many chips to play regarding trading their way into contention. So, openings are there, if a player really shows he can be a rotation player next year. Obviously, not many in this crew have done that, but two players have the potential to stick James Johnson and Dion Waiters. And regardless of what they do this season, I dont believe that either will command large contracts in the open market. Johnson is a hustle player who can run the court and play defense, and has shown a little more offense than his career numbers suggest, and may be ideal as a backup in the power rotation. Dion may fit the bill as a sixth man, though the Heat would have to weigh how top heavy they would be at in the backcourt . But, I believe there is opportunity. -- Matt. A: And you are probably right -- if there is enough money there to sate. Im just not sure, after what he left on the table, by not picking up his Thunder qualifying offer, and by what he couldnt get on the open market, that Waiters would be willing to offer a significant compromise. Plus, if the future for the Heat belongs to Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson, then it would seem the only way there would be a place for Waiters is if there isnt one for Goran Dragic. As for James Johnson, I agree that it could benefit the Heat to continue to sell the benefits of remaining in South Florida. No matter how the roster is reconfigured, his energy would appear a fit with any rebuild. Of the rentals, he could be the one who most entices with a follow-up offer, although we also only now are seeing the possibilities of Wayne Ellington. I guess the best way to put it would be this: If this group proves it can win, then everything and anything could be possible going forward with those who initially only appeared to be passing through. Q: If a lot of the current Heat players are playing for the next contract, and considering what happened with Dwayne Wade (the closest thing the Heat have to a Derek Jeter or Kobe Bryant) in Miami, wouldnt there be a tendency in the back of players minds this season to go it alone. -- Stuart. A: And that is the counter to the above, and something it is incumbent on Erik Spoelstra and his staff to monitor. I havent seen that yet, but an air of resignation has yet to form in the Heat locker room, with these victories in Denver and Utah certainly putting some of such concerns aside. The one thing I will say about the Heat is that they tend to do a quality job of screening such concerns out of the process before adding players. Then again, if a player starts looking for his own and gets it, I almost think that would be embraced by this sometimes-struggling offense. Q: Hi, Ira, long-time fan. Every time I see James Johnson on the court, he seems be able to pull off some high-level moves with excellent footwork. He can handle the ball, shoot and play defense. Why do you think hes always been a bench player A: Because for all those impressive moments, there remain some that, at times, make you shake your head. Thats why I believe he sets up so well as a reserve. If you see he is on his game when he enters, then you reconfigure that games rotation to maximize his possibilities. And if you see it is one of those games where he is reaching for too much, then you can always rejoin your rotation already in progress. Q: Well it might be time to leave Josh Richardson on the bench. Wayne Ellington deserves a starting role. -- Will. A: Im not sure the Heat know their starting lineup at the moment, amid all these injuries. Much of the thought with the starting lineup is to create a cohesive rotation that covers all the bases off the bench, as well. And the Heat bench was very good Thursday night against the Jazz. Remember, Ellington has been back for less than a week. Starters minutes might not be the best idea at the moment, with Thursdays 33 on the second night of a back-to-back at bit of a stretch. Only when the Heat have Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and Dion Waiters healthy can they make an informed decision about the starting roles on the wing. And once all those players come back, it is possible that Winslow at power forward again is revisited. Factoring in minutes for Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson, Winslow figures to play plenty at the four, anyway. Q: James Johnson is better at doing what Josh McRoberts is supposed to do than McRoberts is at doing what hes supposed to do -- Ivan. A: No, McRoberts does what he does with a calculated and under-control approach. Johnson is more likely to crate wild energy swings. What McRoberts did Thursday night was offer enough offense to complement the other aspects of his game. What Johnson did Thursday night was harness his energy for good, not evil. There are not many times I would have figured Johnson as a facilitator, but he was Thursday night. Q: Isnt it the home team that handles the clock -- Roger. A: Yes it is, which is what made Thursdays controversy all the more perplexing. The issue is that the math did not align between the shot clock and the game clock when it came to a possible Heat 24-second violation on that finally ill-fated pass from Goran Dragic to Hassan Whiteside. Based on the shot clock, the violation should have come with 4.9 seconds to play. But based on the game clock, with 3.9 (since 10th of seconds dont show on the shot clock initially). The bottom line is both teams set out for a final sequence knowing that 3.9 seconds would be in play. The Heat defended successfully during those 3.9 seconds, if, perhaps not for 4.9. Confusing Sure. But not nearly enough to overturn a result. Q: Are these guys really injured, Ira, or is Miami tanking now It seems kind of strange how all of these players are hurt now. -- Will. A: One of the approaches of targeting the lottery is the slow-playing of injuries, something we certainly saw with the Heat in 2007-08, when the absences grew extended. And it certainly could be an approach this season if the playoffs become mathematically unlikely. However, I just dont see it at this stage of the season. Its way too early to know what your team can or cant be. And these are injuries that are being signed off by the medical staff, such as Wednesdays two-week announcement with Dion Waiters. There is no way that Waiters, who is playing for the 2017 free-agent contract that he expected this past offseason, would agree to sit out one more game than absolutely necessary. As for Justise Winslow, this is a case of protecting an asset for the future, one you predictably plan to build around. Ditto with Josh Richardson, whose possibilities the Heat want nothing more than to explore. It was one thing when the Heat sat out Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem in a season going nowhere, with both knowing they would be part of something better down the road. But I just dont see many, if any, on this roster who would acquiesce, certainly at this stage, to sitting out even a game beyond necessary. And look around the rest of the league: hurt happens. As the Heat is learning with Richardson. Q: The basketball gods want the Heat to have a top-five draft pick. -- C. J. A: But what say Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside And thats the thing, if those two play at their pay grade and to the levels they expect of themselves, then this team has the ability to play itself out of that neighborhood. Wednesdays victory in Denver was the perfect example. Those two being closer to the top of their games made it possible for others to have meaningful moments. So for all those who maintain the Heat are or should tank, heres my retort: How do you get Whiteside and Dragic to pull back when active and in the lineup If Hassan Whiteside wants to be an All-Star, that means he also should want to win. And Goran Dragic has put up with enough losing and wants to win. So if you truly want to start scouting the top of the lottery, you may have to talk to Hassan and Goran, first. Because their plans just might get in your way. Q: We are only one player away. We need a superstar as soon as possible. -- Dale. A: That tends to be the case of just about every team that doesnt have LeBron James or isnt the Warriors. And its not as if middling teams add superstars in free agency. The stars that do move, as LeBron and Kevin Durant have shown, gravitate toward teams that are on the cusp of a championship. The best bet, at this point, likely is mining in the draft what the Heat minded 14 years ago with Dwyane Wade. And even in that case, you dont know it until you know it. There is no quotsoon as possiblequot when it comes to a rebuild, only the need for ongoing patience. Until then, you find yourselves playing to win the winnable games, as the Heat did, and did, Wednesday night in Denver.
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