Q: Ira, they are still too small. Nikola Jovic is 6-10, but his 240 pounds don’t look like Aaron Gordon’s 235 pounds (there’s no way Jovic weighs more). And Bam Adebayo is tiny next to Nikola Jokic. Do we miss The Mechanic? –Scott.
A: I did a double take to make sure it wasn’t thin mountain air and that I had actually been asked about the Heat without Dewayne Dedmon. But I digress. If you’re asking if the Heat are lacking muscle in their power rotation, it’s undeniable, even with the height Nikola Jovic can offer. As for Nikola Jokic vs. Bam Adebayo, who doesn’t look smaller next to Jokic? The Rockies look smaller next to Jokic. But yes, the Heat are not really muscular. This is why they experimented with Dedmon and Cody Zeller in previous buyout markets. The lack of volume was once again as evident on Thursday as it was against the Nuggets in last season’s NBA Finals. But the Heat also fought back by downsizing — and it worked. The Heat will not win the toughest game. But there may be workarounds to this.
Q: This really hurts my brain. How could Nikola Jovic be a starter and not even play several matches? –Masoud, Tucson, Arizona.
A: OK, I’ll try to ease your brain pain: As far as the Heat’s starting lineup goes, at least Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro are locked in when available. It seems that this is now also the case for Terry Rozier. But for years, certainly the last two, power forward has essentially been a flex position in Erik Spoelstra’s approach, and even was during last season’s run to the NBA Finals. Against bigger teams, Spoelstra got bigger, as he did by starting Nikola Jovic Thursday night in Denver. Against fast, athletic fours (which are actually threes masquerading as fours), Spoelstra has leaned more toward the perimeter defensive skills of Caleb Martin or Haywood Highsmith. So until Jovic’s game reaches the point where his performance fully demands a starting role, expect things to remain fluid at power forward. That said, Nikola has progressed towards something more concrete.
Q: In honor of game winner Max Strus for Cleveland against Dallas (my guy used a certified heater to finish that game), can we take a second to appreciate the way Duncan Robinson reacted after being essentially put on the bench for Max about a year ago and has now grown to reach (or at least is on the verge of) offense-savvy vet status? In the absence of primary ball handlers, he led his teammates and created easy baskets. Did what was needed on offense and honestly held his own on defense. Dare I say he’s Erik Spoelstra’s fifth (compared to Jaime Jaquez Jr.) or sixth most reliable player right now? And it’s a good thing. –Ryan, Montverde.
A: What we can say is that he has locked himself into a rotation role, which, just a year ago, was not easy. And yes, it’s a sign of maturity, persevering through difficult times and coming out a clear winner. Too often, some found themselves caught in what Duncan Robinson couldn’t do. He showed he could do a lot of things. And that’s what he does. Careers are fluid. For the moment, Robinson has become a popular asset.
