ASK IRA: Will Heat soon have another big man stepping outside?
Q: I keep forgetting Bam Adebayo is only 23. When we talk about the young players improving, it seems centered around Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn. Maybe we even suspect potential with the 21-year-old Precious Achiuwa. But Bam has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. How much better could our team be if he just let it fly, at least from mid-range? Was it coaching or lack of confidence that kept him from shooting last season? -- Eduardo.
A: Mostly it was that others were more capable in that aspect of the game. So why force it from the perimeter when you have Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Goran Dragic, Kelly Olynyk, Meyers Leonard and Kendrick Nunn alongside? As it is, Bam Adebayo still got his numbers, and, more importantly, was able to contribute to winning. While it is admirable to continue to add to your game, sometimes it also is important to recognize the need to allow your teammate to play to their strengths, as well. Bam Adebayo stationed deep on the perimeter or at the 3-point line means no offensive rebounds, duck-in baskets, alley-oops or passes from the elbow from Bam. So why take a player out of a comfort zone if the rest of the team can operate effectively with him in that zone?
Q: OMG. Please, no James Harden. He is a black hole with the ball and is the ultimate non-team player. He would surely clash with Jimmy Butler. He would also be very likely to damage chemistry. He is playoff tested and failed. Besides, his contract would wreck the Heat for at least two more years. He is another me-first player with great stats, a la Hassan Whiteside. -- Roland, Portland.
A: Look there are many issues there, but also an uber-elite scorer. So even if it were a possibility (and, as mentioned yesterday, it does not appear the Heat have ample chips), it would be a concern. For all the players the Heat have had who have struggled on defense over the years, I’m not sure I can count any during the Erik Spoelstra era that didn’t at least try. And with Harden, it’s almost as if you would have to design an offense around his game. Look, Jimmy Butler is a willing facilitator, as is Bam Adebayo, so a quality coaching staff could make it work on that end. But that is a huge personality and ego to airlift into this mix. Again, Brooklyn would appear to make the most sense, particularly with what the Nets could send back.
Q: Haven’t heard anything about Chris Silva. How is he developing? -- Anson.
A: I’m not sure you will hear much of Chris Silva, unless the Heat are shorthanded or in foul trouble. As it is, you have Bam Adebayo, Precious Achiuwa, Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard ahead in the power rotation, plus Moe Harkless, Andre Iguodala and even KZ Okpala able to swing between the two power positions. Of the 15 players under standard contract, I’m not sure anyone other than Udonis Haslem is projected for fewer minutes at the moment.
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