ASK IRA: Could Russell Westbrook show up on Heat radar?
Q: Ira, I’m not saying in a trade, but if Russell Westbrook gets a buyout after the Lakers signed Dennis Schroder, will we hear more rumors about the Heat signing him? – Steven.
A: I feel as if this will take us down the same rabbithole that I mentioned in yesterday’s entry, about answering questions as they are presented. While I know there already had been such Westbrook speculation previously, in regards to how the Heat have resurrected careers, I feel as though the Heat in some ways already have their Westbrook under contact in Victor Oladipo. I’m not sure you can have more than one guard at a time who is trying to prove others wrong through a resurrection. Plus, when you consider the boxes the Heat are attempting to get checked off in their backcourt, I’m not sure that Westbrook’s lack of 3-point accuracy checks arguably the most significant. As it is, the Heat do not have the space under the tax to add another player. So can you truly cast Westbrook, at this stage, as a enough of a difference maker to justify paying the tax? Plus, Westbrook seemingly has made it known he is not prepared to take a buyout. Now, perhaps if he is traded elsewhere first by the Lakers to a non-contender, that might change. For now, though. I think the Heat are willing to ride with backcourt options such as Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro and Gabe Vincent.
Q: I think Russell Wesbrook is still a lot better than he looked in L.A.. He just doesn’t fit there and like everybody else, has to change his style to fit LeBron James. I also don’t think Kyle Lowry is as good as he gets credit for. – Antonio.
A: I think we should be careful about selling Kyle Lowry short. He very much was the team’s engine during some of the Heat’s best stretches last season. The playoff injury then changed everything. In many ways, this will be the telling season on his three-year contract, letting the Heat know if the great point guard search has to resume next summer.
Q: Ira, the Heat should play Udonis Haslem in the preseason to see what he has left. – Arturo.
A: Considering Udonis Haslem appeared in only one game the previous three preseasons, I don’t see any significant uptick in playing time in the exhibitions. Put it this way, over the past three preseasons, among those who have seen more action for the Heat than Udonis have been Kyle Alexander, Daryl Macon, Davon Reed, B.J. Johnson, Dru Smith and D.J. Stewart. The Heat know what Udonis is, and at this point it is a coach in uniform.
