Q: This one seems a little strange at first glance, but I’m sure Erik Spoelstra has his reasons why Delon Wright isn’t getting any playing time right now. Patty Mills played well and fit in perfectly. But the problem is on the defensive side of the ball as a whole for the team. -Douglas.
A: I had considered Friday the ideal spot for Delon Wright as a defensive option against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Instead, Erik Spoelstra opted for Party Mills’ offensive punch. But while Party provided offensive reward, Gilgeous-Alexander played virtually undeterred, with Jimmy Butler forced to put in extra effort for the assignment. So if Delon is not in this situation, then when? As it stands, once Tyler Herro returns, it’s not like there will be many minutes for Delon or Patty. Yet all season, the Heat have needed a defensive deterrent at the point guard position. Now they have one. And I didn’t use it.
Q: Is Bam Adebayo injured or are we overthinking and overreacting to a crisis? Personally, I’m tired of the clumsy version of Edrice. We need a triple-double with no cap Bam to beat Boston, Denver or the Clippers this year. We won’t gain anything if our captain reverts to his rookie version. – Swann.
A: First, there is a ceiling for almost every player. And regardless of the outside view, Bam isn’t going to score 25 points every night. But he defended and rebounded, especially against the Thunder. Before these last two games, he was playing well. So I’m not sure two games is a crisis. And I think that will help Bam when Tyler Herro returns. But yes, the Playoff Bam will have to be better than the Bam of these last two games.
Q: Tyler Herro is a good player and I like him. That said, the sample size is now too large to ignore – the 2023 playoffs and this season. The Heat are playing better and adjusting better without him. He can create his own shot but it requires a lot of ball possession. Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin and Nikola Jovic each getting nine extra minutes provides a much better fit. They don’t need the ball, which allows our best players, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, to have the ball. How do Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley, if necessary, get Tyler Herro back into a sixth man role? –Brian, Boca Raton.
A: I am still not convinced of the necessity of such an approach. And beyond wondering who starts, instead consider closing time and how Tyler Herro’s presence clearly would have been beneficial at the end in Dallas and Oklahoma City, while a little more shooting creativity would have helped , especially with the swarming defense against Jimmy. Butler. The Heat need Tyler back, back in rhythm, back in sync with the rotation. Next month might provide the best reading of what should come next.
