Q: Training camp might be more competitive than anticipated, since no whales were reeled in. Control what you can control is the motto for many NBA players. The Heat might adapt that outlook in September as Miami focuses in on sorting out assets under their control. – Leonard, Cornelius, N.C.
A: And there could be ample sorting out to accomplish. While Caleb Martin is the frontrunner (at the moment) to start at power forward, nothing is guaranteed. Then there is the third wing spot alongside Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry. Among the options there are Tyler Herro, Max Strus, and perhaps Victor Oladipo and Duncan Robinson. And when it comes to the power rotation, will it be Dewayne Dedmon or Omer Yurtseven as the first big man behind Bam Adebayo? Beyond that, with so much wing depth, will Gabe Vincent or Robinson be in the primary rotation? So, yes, Nikola Jovic is the only newcomer on the primary roster. But new seasons lead to new decisions. So we wait.
Q: Montrezl Harrell is a good rebounder but not that great of a rim protector and his production has fallen off a cliff. It’s sad because he used to be pretty good. But he wouldn’t do much for us at the four. The paint would be clogged when you have Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry driving to the basket. – Mike.
A: I raised Montrezl Harrell only because of the type of moments, particularly in the playoffs, when rebounding is paramount. It is, however, moot, even with Montrezl still a free agent, with the Heat out of cap space below the luxury tax. Still, a bit more beef could come in handy situationally.
Q: Everyone is making moves beside the heat and I don’t understand it. – Keeya.
A: You don’t make moves just because someone else is making moves. You move when an obtainable target becomes available. And even then, you assess how such a player would impact your roster. And until February, there is no deadline on making moves (and even then, there is the buyout deadline that follows). So you wait. You watch. And then, if needed and necessary, you move.
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