ASK IRA: Is it more about the finish than the start for Heat in NBA playoffs?
Q: If the Nets make the playoffs, there’s a high probability that it will be as a No. 8 seed. Wouldn’t it be wise for the Heat to give a heavy amount of playing time this week to Haywood Highsmith, Mychal Mulder and Javonte Smart, so that they can drop from the No. 1 seed and avoid meeting Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the first round? — Kara, Palm Beach Gardens.
A: That all comes down to the perspective. And a case can be made for both. On one hand, after getting swept out of the first round last season by the Bucks, there is something to be said about winning a playoff series for the first time since the 2020 Eastern Conference finals. On the other hand, if you truly believe you are contending for a championship, then homecourt advantage in each round matters, with a No. 1 seed giving you homecourt advantage at least until the NBA Finals. And the reality is that the possibility remains of Brooklyn closing at No. 7 and therefore playing No. 2. At the moment there are too many variables for anything but full steam ahead.
Q: Ira, we know the starting lineup going into the playoffs now, with Max Strus, Bam Adebayo, P.J. Tucker, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry. Tyler Herro and Dewayne Dedmon are first two off the bench. Would you agree that if Erik Spoelstra sticks with a nine-man rotation, then Gabe Vincent is out (unless there is an injury or foul issues), and it’s Victor Oladipo over Duncan Robinson and Caleb Martin over Markieff Morris? — Rick, Pembroke Pines.
A: I would not. I agree with the first seven you cite. And I’m not sure Markieff Morris would factor into a playoff permutation. But I still think it comes down to four players — Gabe Vincent, Victor Oladipo, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin — vying for two rotation roles. And that very much could come down to matchups. In fact, if an opponent consistently goes small, then perhaps even Markieff slots in ahead of Dewayne.
Q: With Max Strus, I know I’m early, but are the Heat running down a familiar path of eventually overpaying to keep a player that might just be a good role player at best? — Tee, Queens, N.Y.
A: You are very early, considering Max Strus already is under contract for next season at the veteran minimum. So there still is plenty of time to evaluate his ultimate role (which, at the moment, is as starter). The greater question is with Caleb Martin, an impending restricted free agent. At one point, it appeared he might price himself beyond the Heat’s means. Then the injuries came. Now it might prove to be a tricky decision, considering he might not be part of the primary playoff rotation.
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