ASK IRA: Is the Joel Embiid-76ers situation worth monitoring by the Heat?
Q: Joel Embiid wants an NBA Championship. Pat Riley has rings. Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler both have unfinished business. Any scenario where Joel Embiid ends up in Miami? – Stuart.
A: While I would never say never when it comes to the Heat, I can’t see the 76ers, amid all their drama with James Harden, consider moving off of Joel Embiid. In that case, it would be The Process all over again. And based on Joel Embiid’s injury history, I do wonder if the Heat would consider offering Bam Adebayo in a potential package for Joel, should that possibility actually exist. For now, it appears that Embiid is making it clear he wants more alongside in Philadelphia, rather than out of Philadelphia.
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Q: Hello, Ira. I’m confident that The Miami Heat front office will end up getting Damian Lillard in a trade with the Blazers sooner rather than later. But let’s play what if. If the Heat do not acquire Lillard for whatever reason, do you think this team, as presently constructed with Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Thomas Bryant, Josh Richardson, Caleb Martin, Kevin Love, Haywood Highsmith, Orlando Robinson, Duncan Robinson, Kyle Lowry, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic and Jamal Cain is deeper and better than last year’s Miami Heat roster? – Carlos, West Park.
A: I do not. Until two players definitely step up to compensate for the free-agency losses of Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, then the offseason left the Heat at a net loss. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, but we first have to witness tangible proof.
Q: I like Haywood Highsmith and what he had to say Wednesday. Do you think he gets more playing time? – Fred.
A: That will depend on the composition of the Heat roster. If Caleb Martin is not dealt in a Damian Lillard deal, then Caleb basically will be the Heat’s Haywood Highsmith. But what works in Haywood’s favor are his versatility and Erik Spoelstra’s proclivity toward small ball. Another factor could be how much Kevin Love does or does not play, since playing as an undersized power forward might be Haywood’s best path forward to playing time.
