ASK IRA: Do Heat need a plus-one beyond Herro as a bucket-getter?
Q: Ira, saw your note about Michael Beasley’s one-on-one win. It makes me think that’s what we’re missing, a bucker-getter. – Stephon.
A: Isn’t that who Tyler Herro is? Actually, that’s not a question. That very much is who Tyler Herro is. The real question is, who else? With Tyler’s move from the bench to starter, it has left the Heat without someone in the mode of a bench scorer. Jaime Jaquez Jr. briefly was that. Terry Rozier was given the chance to be that. Nikola Jovic hasn’t been available enough to be that. Duncan Robinson needs too much help (screens, dribble handoffs, etc.) to be that. So, yes, instant offense off the bench very much could be part of the answer of getting this offense out of the NBA basement. Perhaps the draft is geared toward such an answer. The best of all worlds would be a Rozier resurrection in that regard. But at this point, counting on that also would appear to be wishful.
Q: Ira, I’m glad there is reporting that Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t ask for a trade. It lets us get on with our summer. – Lindsey.
A: But it also could complicate any Heat desires in the direction of Kevin Durant, who then would figure to be the next man up on the trade market. But any time the league pauses while waiting for a star to make a decision or be dealt, such as the summers of Damian Lillard or even Kawhi Leonard, it certainly complicates any desires toward continuity. If Giannis doesn’t come to market, I would expect an expedient offseason for the Heat, based on their cap and roster limitations.
Q: Ira, you expecting Heat players at the Panthers? – Mark.
A: If they can get tickets. Udonis Haslem, who has posted regularly on social media about his support, figures to be tied up with his broadcast duties at the NBA Finals. But Jaime Jaquez Jr., who previously has banged the drum at the Panthers’ arena, will be back in town for his appearance at the Heat’s youth camps on Tuesday, so that’s a possibility. Erik Spoelstra already has been to Marlins and Inter Miami games this offseason, so there has been Heat presence across the South Florida sports landscape.