ASK IRA: No matter Finals outcome, have Heat contributors been sold short?

Q: Are we seeing the real reality of undrafted players? They can give you a night or two of some really good games. But they won’t win you a championship. Not consistent enough? – Bob, Davie.

A: At this point, we have to get over the tags. It does not matter how Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Caleb Martin got here. There have been plenty of drafted players, including first rounders, unable to come close to what those three have accomplished. At this point, the focus should be whether each is good enough to contribute to a championship contender. All three have gone above and beyond to that extent, whether they were drafted, whether they were first-round picks, or whether they arrived the hard way. The greater question is whether they have been cast in roles beyond their pedigree. If we were talking about Strus, Vincent and Martin as supporting pieces, would the commentary at the moment be as severe? For example, Strus and Martin were undrafted in 2019. So from that 2019 first round, would you feel more comfortable with Sekou Doumbouya (drafted 15th), Chuma Okeke (16th), Luka Šamanić (18th), or, for that matter, KZ Okpala, who was the No. 32 pick in that draft and flamed out with the Heat? Perspective, people. To cast Strus, Vincent or Martin as failures is absurd.

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Q: Ira, the Heat are playing basketball in June. Bam Adebayo has been playing his best basketball. Erik Spoelstra has squeezed everything out of his players. As a fan, that’s all I can ask for. Hopefully, Monday’s result is different. If not, enjoy the summer. – Steve, Boca Raton.

A: Hmm, perspective. How refreshing. The end of the ride might ultimately sting. But don’t forget the ride, these two months of the unexpected. And from a rivalry perspective, eliminating the Knicks and Celtics assuredly delivered more joy than doing anything nasty to the Nuggets, whose players, coaches and fans are actually quite likable.

Q: When is the draft? It’s time to move on. – Nestor.

A: No, it isn’t. It’s not over until a team gets to four wins. For all the concern at the moment, consider what it felt like losing three in a row from that 3-0 lead against the Celtics. There is time for pity parties later. (But if you need to know, the NBA Draft is June 22, with the Heat holding the No. 18 selection.)