ASK IRA: Do Heat, Erik Spoelstra need to look beyond Cody Zeller?
Q: Ira, Cody Zeller was out of work for more than a year before the Heat signed him and now he is playing in the NBA Finals? With the questions you are getting about Kevin Love and Haywood Highsmith, why is Zeller playing? – Goldie.
A: First, Cody Zeller was out of the league recovering from a knee injury, and only had begun the tryout circuit shortly before he was added by the Heat on Feb. 20. Beyond that, let’s not overstate his 7 1/2 minutes in Thursday night’s NBA Finals opener as having dramatic rotation implications. Erik Spoelstra thought Zeller’s height was worth a look against Nikola Jokic, gave it a brief shot in the first half, and then a briefer shot in the second half. Against Jokic, Zeller is the closest the Heat come to comparable size and bulk. But considering the way the Heat shot in Game 1, I would expect Kevin Love to get at least those Zeller minutes, although possibly not much more when the Nuggets downsize during Jokic’s bench minutes. As for Highsmith, his place has less to do with Zeller playing than the other wings in the Heat rotation.
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Q: It may sound naive, but as a Heat fan, nothing about Thursday night scares me. Let’s go back: The Heat fought back in Game 6 against Boston only to be gut-punched with one-tenth of a second left. Then they flew up to Boston and played a tough game, winning Game 7. Then they flew right out to Denver to play a rested No. 1 seed. All factors pointed to a possible blowout. Instead, the Heat played hard and got it within single digits very late. Max Strus and Caleb Martin had horrible nights shooting wide-open 3s that had nothing to do with Denver’s defense. And the Heat only shot two free throws. I don’t think the Heat need any major adjustments. Shoot better. Maybe double Nikola Jokic less. And stop the other Nuggets. This Heat team is something special. I still believe. – Bernard, Fort Lauderdale.
A: And you have every right, based on what already has been accomplished this postseason. But Thursday largely was a blowout. The comeback was largely window dressing after Denver went up 24. And don’t underestimate Nikola Jokic’s supporting cast, particularly Jamal Murray. The biggest hurdle remains, well, the biggest hurdle, Jokic himself.
Q: This Heat team is brutally resilient and seems to be at its best with its collective back to the wall and everyone doubting it. Perhaps it may have one last surprise it can pull off. – Pat, Miami Shores.
A: At this point, certainly doubt at your own risk. It will be interesting to see Erik Spoelstra’s adjustments. And Spoelstra will have adjustments.
