Q: Everyone was worried and whining trying to blame the team and the league for Bam Adebayo’s absence. He simply had to be cleared based on rules. — Paolo.
A: But Bam having to fulfill the full five days of NBA-mandated quarantine also shows how tenuous these playoffs could be, with Paul George already missing the Clippers’ season-ending play-in loss and two Bulls coaches away from the team at the start of the playoffs. It almost seems inevitable there will be more. As it is, Bam previously missed time due to protocols two years ago, showing that it can cycle back to seemingly anyone and everyone. And if the Heat wind up in Toronto for the second round, mandatory testing could re-enter the equation due to travel restrictions, which is how Erik Spoelstra was lost to the team for almost a week at the end of the regular season.
Q: I am so glad it’s the Hawks. If you are the No 1 seed and have multiple stars on the team, then go prove it. Because if this team fails spectacularly in the playoffs, I wonder if Pat Riley will push the reset button again? — Rodney, Sarasota.
A: And a good half-empty morning to you, too. Look, if the Heat don’t make it past the first round, there will be questions all around, especially after how ugly the finish was last season. But this season’s Heat haven’t shown any of that. This is not a No. 6 seed going up against No. 3 as was the case last season. On the other hand, don’t get caught up in how long the series goes or doesn’t go. What matters is moving on. Because what follows will be particularly challenging the rest of the way.
Q: No Knicks, no Lakers, no Clippers and maybe soon no Nets. What’s anyone left to talk about? — Hesh.
A: Um, real basketball instead of storylines, rumors, innuendo, hot takes? Nah, they’ll still be talking about the Lakers’ coaching search, LeBron James’ window for an extension, what happens to Julius Randle and Russell Westbrook, and, of course, Ben Simmons, Ben Simmons, Ben Simmons. No matter, there will be plenty of compelling basketball ahead for those actually interested in the game.
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