ASK IRA: Is something big brewing with Heat lineup?

Q: I love the size, athleticism and defense Maurice Harkless and Precious Achiuwa add to the mix alongside Bam Adebayo. Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala last season could both play really hard at the four, but give up several inches to opponents. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. -- J.F.

A: Such was the tradeoff the Heat made with their playoff lineups, when they went away from Meyers Leonard and went to Jae Crowder, at times even utilizing Andre Iguodala in in a power role. Now it will be interesting to see if they revert to size during the regular season. But even in that case, I’m not sure that Precious Achiuwa would necessarily play ahead of Meyers Leonard or Kelly Olynyk, at least early in the season. If the desire is something similar to how the playoffs were approached, then it could be Maurice Harkless as the alternative in the first five. The Heat have plenty of alternatives at power forward, but not necessarily a prototype at the position.

Q: No more bubble. Players likely out due to COVID-19 at some point during season, just like NFL and baseball. Teams will need anyone and everyone, down to the 17th player, including two-way players, to keep going when that happens. And yet, Udonis Haslem, an acknowledged non-player, takes up a roster spot. Makes no sense. -- Andrew, Coral Gables.

A: Readers familiar with this space know the thinking, in typical times, is that if players and coaches swear by Udonis Haslem as a locker-room presence, then who are outsiders to question the approach. But you are correct, that these are not typical times. So we wait, and see. As it is, the Heat are loaded with players who are power-rotation only, such as Bam Adebayo, Meyers Leonard, Kelly Olynyk, Chris Silva and Precious Achiuwa. So even with multiple absences, it is not a given that Udonis would get the call. But, yes, it certainly is possible that there could/would be times when, say, a Solomon Hill might have been more beneficial from a rotation standpoint than Haslem.

Q: With the Heat extending Bam Adebayo, is there a scenario where the Heat could keep Tyler Herro if they were to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo next offseason via sign and trade? The Heat would need to surround Giannis, Bam, and Jimmy Butler with shooters and I believe Tyler Herro is a excellent shooter and a future star in this league. -- Brandon, Miami.

A: Hard to believe that any team wouldn’t target Tyler Herro in a deal with the Heat, based on his skill level and rookie-scale contract. If you’re not giving up Bam Adebayo or Jimmy Butler, then you have to give up something. And, no, impending free-agents Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn plus cap filler aren’t going to get it done, even if Precious Achiuwa is thrown in. The irony is that Butler will have only one season under Heat control after this season, holding a player option for 2022-23. But, no, he is not going anywhere in a trade. Right?

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