ASK IRA: Has Kendrick Nunn changed the Heat narrative?

Q: I don’t understand your thinking on Kendrick Nunn. Even though you published my thoughts on why he is so valuable, your recent article suggesting trading him shows little regard for Nunn’s value now as well as in the future. I think it’s fair to say that if it were not for him, the Heat would not have won seven of the last 10. As I mentioned in my previous correspondence, I believe they would have won a few more games if Erik Spoelstra had not sat him down. Undersized or not, he’s doing the job in most if not all aspects of what is required of a better-than-average NBA player. Goran Dragic is similar but a lot older, similar in the respect that both players get the ball in the basket. Among their many talents, they are very good scorers. — Ted, Miami.

A: And Kendrick Nunn clearly has done his part to change the narrative. What will be interesting now is what happens when Goran Dragic and Tyler Herro, who both have played well off the bench, return. If the Heat elect to keep Kendrick in the starting lineup, then it basically would mean putting Avery Bradley on hold, perhaps in the specialist role of defensive stopper. Again, it seemingly would come down to either/or with Avery. So the question becomes: At what stage of the season do the Heat consider moving forward with Avery behind Nunn in the backcourt rotation?

Q: Good defense and culture are only going to get you so far in today’s NBA. Don’t you think Miami desperately needs a playmaker? Whatever additions the Heat may make, they need to be an offensive threat to loosen up the coverage on Miami’s young players. — Tony, El Paso, Texas.

A: Which is why there has been such speculation about Lonzo Ball. And his playmaking certainly is intriguing. But that also would put Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler off the ball more often, which would reduce the versatile boost they have been able to offer.

Q: Biggest Heat snub: Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo? — Phillip.

A: Based on the full body of work for the season, I would say Bam Adebayo, simply because of his availability. But Jimmy Butler is the Heat and the Heat are Jimmy Butler. For all the coaches who voted otherwise for All-Star Game reserves, how many would take the players they voted for over Butler if they had to win one game? Exactly.