ASK IRA: Could tanking for Victor Wembanyama by others work in Heat’s favor?

Q: Hi, Ira. With many teams likely playing to lose for the opportunity to draft Victor Wembanyama, does that help the Heat with a potential trade-deadline move when teams gut their rosters to ensure failure? – Eddie, South Bend.

A: That actually is a fascinating supposition, that teams such as the Jazz or Pacers might trade off veterans for pennies on the dollar in order to reduce their risk of actually winning. Utah certainly still has attractive elements, with others in the race to the bottom also carrying veterans who actually could accidentally contribute to victory. In fact, in the race to the bottom, waiting until the February NBA trading deadline might actually be too late. The selloff could begin earlier. What will be interesting to see is if veterans who either are told to stay home or are parked in the bench accept such assignments. That’s when the players’ union could enter the picture.

Q: I’m glad the Heat didn’t break the bank for P.J. Tucker, but did for Tyler Herro, even if Herro’s contract is significantly more than P.J.’s. Straddling that bridge to the future continues to be a path to success. – John, Ocala.

A: Which certainly could be true. But when you are paying what the Heat are paying for 36-year-old Kyle Lowry and 33-year-old Jimmy Butler, it also is important to maximize their potential. And for the Heat that means a power forward who meshes with their skillset. So this is less about having another wing in support, such as Tyler Herro, but rather not providing in the power rotation the type of presence to maximize what Lowry and Butler deliver.

Q: Ira, I understand your point about the benefits of Nikola Jovic staying with the team, but it might be a good idea to stash him in Sioux Falls for a couple of months after the season starts to not just get him minutes, but to learn the system and work on his game. Barring injuries, he can always return to the Heat at any time, is that not the case? – Gabriel, Miami.

A: Yes, the G League certainly remains an option, and the Heat’s G League coaching staff already is working with the Heat’s prospects during the preseason. But the G League also can devolve into a helter-skelter league, where structure takes a backseat. With the Heat, even if not playing, Jovic would be able to work with the Heat assistant coaches, Udonis Haslem, as well as the team’s veteran big men. Yes, Sioux Falls is possible. But so is individual developmental work with the Heat.