Q: Ira, I grew up and went to college in Kentucky. I have always been big on Bam Adebayo. I do, however, feel as though he has continued to fall behind where he should be on his shooting. There is certainly nothing wrong with his form. Isn’t it just a matter of repetition and priority in the offseason? – Brent.

A: It is, which is why even something as mundane as the Miami Pro League offered encouragement Wednesday night, when Bam Adebayo seized the opportunity to display his possibilities from the perimeter. Such work should not be discounted (but also should be put into proper perspective). But if more is sought from Bam on the offensive end, then it could impact the overall rotation. For example, if Tyler Herro is shifted into the starting lineup (which is Tyler’s stated desire), then how many shots actually would be there for Bam after accounting for the offense of Tyler, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry. Plus, for Bam to operate as a scorer, it might be even more imperative to have a floor spacer such as Max Strus (or Duncan Robinson) on the court at the same time. Bam as scorer is intriguing. But in the Heat’s big picture, it might not be as essential as some believe.

Q: Tyler Herro said it all in his interview with Jake Paul – run it back. – Max.

A: But it’s not that simple, simply because they lost the opportunity to “run it back” once they lost P.J. Tucker in free agency to the 76ers. So now there will have to be a different approach at power forward. What the Heat can do is mostly run it back. Perhaps a better Tyler Herro, a better Victor Oladipo, a better Bam Adebayo and a healthier Kyle Lowry will be enough. That certainly is possible.

Q: Ira, the Heat came in first in the East, and were one missed shot from making the NBA Finals, and yet they get no respect from the league. – Joel.

A: Look, I’m over not having a Christmas game (and, truth be told, glad that Heat and arena employees get to be home for the holidays). But the lack of national exposure shows that this is a league more about social media and controversy than well-played basketball. Perhaps we should already know that by now.

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