Q: Ira, we’ve seen the model and it’s the Thunder. They have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, and we have Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. They have Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey, and we have Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. This is also the path we have to take, even if it means giving up Jimmy Butler. – Desi.
A: There’s a lot to digest here, so I’ll start where you left off. Before you summarily dismiss Jimmy Butler for what I assume you would want as youth or draft capital, consider that despite everything Sam Presti has done to build the Thunder’s roster with youth, he has not been able to elevate his team to the playoff level that Jimmy reached. with Heat. The reason the Heat have been to the Eastern Conference Finals three of the last four seasons is because of Jimmy. So be careful not to wish for what works. As for your comparison, and with all due respect, I’m not sure the Herro-Adebayo combination is equal to the Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren combination. Likewise, in light of Jalen Wiliams’ continued progress, I’m not sure Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic are at that level yet, or even close to that level (although Jamie certainly showed up Friday night) . Now, if you can do what the Thunder did in getting the next Shai for an aging Jimmy, that would be another story to tackle at another time.
Q: We need a big man. –Rick.
A: Yes. But no one listens to me. Thomas Bryant had his moments this week, but the absence of Kevin Love exposed a deep hole in the power rotation, especially when it comes to getting the rebounds needed. That’s why it was somewhat confusing to dedicate the bottom two roster spots to guards, with the additions of Delon Wright and Patty Mills.
Q: If Bam Adebayo wants to be considered an All-Star without a doubt, he needs to play harder in these types of games. – Pipsy.
A: Bam Adebayo is what he is: fierce on defense, a competent scorer on offense. If you’re looking for more on the offensive side, you might continue to be disappointed. But also don’t sell short the amount of sweat Bam pours into the Heat’s success on defense. And if the Heat want to win, as they did, it will depend on their success on defense. However, these last two matches were not his best moments. The Heat recognizes this, as does Bam.
