Q: Do you think this most recent stretch of games motivates the Heat to make an aggressive trade to avoid wasting a year of Jimmy Butler’s career? – Brian.
A: First, I think the Heat are always motivated to upgrade. But if you are asking about desperation, then the answer would be no. The bottom line is the Heat were pretty crappy on offense last season, had a similar record at this stage a year ago, and then went all the way to the NBA Finals. Yes, I know, I know, Giannis Antetokounmpo was injured in the first round, the Knicks weren’t fully healthy in the second round, Jayson Tatum was hurt early in Game 7 of the East finals for Boston, but the Heat still went from something that looked very similar to this and made the NBA Finals. That said, I do believe that also is somewhat of a curse, perhaps lulling the Heat into believing they again can catch lightning in a bottle. So, to me, the truer measuring sticks will be the games Thursday against the Celtics at home and then Saturday at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks. If the Heat can’t be convinced to bring their A Game to those matchups, then your concerns could stand well founded. But if the Heat do step up to those two, then exhale.
Q: Hey Ira, I think the recent losing streak shows the importance of the rookie, Jaime Jaquez Jr. He seems to energize the team with his running, defense, rebounding and scoring. He is especially missed in the fourth quarter. He might be as important as our big three. – Rich, Plantation.
A: I agree, which also is telling about the rest of the rotation, that a rookie can have such an impact. It will be interesting to see how it plays out with Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s return from his groin injury, which I expect this week. Considering Jimmy Butler returned when Jaime went out, it will be interesting to see if Jaime remains with the starting unit or is utilized to stabilize the second unit. But as you note, Jaime at closing time could be the biggest benefit of his return.
Q: Please ask Kyle Lowry how he feels about getting benched so he can say something out of pocket and force Pat Riley to trade him – Kevin.
A: That is not how it works in this business, or at least how it works with me. Besides, Kyle Lowry has made it abundantly clear that he believed he should be a starter with this team. So what it comes down to is his play, not his comments or even body language. If he contributes as a reserve, then all else is ancillary. And if the lack of his presence in the starting lineup proves debilitating, then Erik Spoelstra and the Heat get a different answer. Of course, all this is transpiring as we move closer to the Feb. 8 NBA trading deadline. And, at this point, Lowry as an expiring contract appears to have more value to the Heat than the Lowry that has been on the court the past few weeks. But, again, all it takes is a game or two to alter that perception.
