Q: We have 10 players who have contributed greatly all season long. So, who is the odd man out in a nine-player rotation? As we know, Erik Spoelstra likes to tinker (due, I think, to his years as the Heat video coordinator). If he stays with the players who got the team into a top team, then he will tinker among those 10, and I would not be surprised to see Duncan Robinson as occasionally the odd man out. What I am suggesting is sometimes the Heat can go 10 deep and the sky will not fall. — Roland, Borrego Springs, Calif.

A: And Erik Spoelstra well could go 10 deep (or deeper), but that more likely would be the result of foul trouble or an injury. As important as maximizing depth can be, so is allowing your leading men to get into a rhythm. And you can’t get into a rhythm if the stints are shortened or you’re constantly looking over to see if you are about to get subbed out. Beyond that, there are ample rest days during the playoffs, so it’s not as if you are saving your players. For now, I’m not sure you can make any assessment of where the rotation is headed until we see what Spoelstra does with a healthy Caleb Martin. Yes, Duncan Robinson could be an odd man out. But it also could possibly be Gabe Vincent. Or Caleb. In those three cases, it very well could become situational.

Q: Omer Yurtseven was tearing it up on the boards and around the hoop while Bam Adebayo was recovering. As you know, his numbers were exceptional. Now, nada, not even scrub time often enough. What’s on Erik Spoelstra’s mind? — Gene, Coral Gables.

A: That he is getting his playoff-ready players to be playoff ready. For all that Omer Yurtseven has accomplished, and there has been plenty, his defense is nominally NBA level, if that, let alone not anywhere close to playoff level. With the Heat featuring shaky perimeter defenders such as Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, it is particularly important that the back line can compensate, as is the case with Bam Adebayo, P.J. Tucker and Dewayne Dedmon. Omer’s time eventually will come, and should come, just likely not in the playoff race or in the playoffs. And Dewayne certainly had his moments in Boston before fouling out.

Q: Tim Hardaway was a monster during his playing days. Only thing missing was the championship. Other than that, he was one of the best during his Warriors/Heat playing days. Feared no one. Happy for Timmy. — Douglas.

A: Agreed, and Hall of Fame worthy, albeit belated. If not for Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning, who knows when/if the Heat would have gotten on this path to enduring success.

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