ASK IRA: Are the Heat back in the market at point guard?
Q: Ira, read about Dru Smith and feel terrible for the kid. I know he’s getting his money, but I’m sure he would rather play. But what do the Heat do now? – Yoel.
A: I’m not necessarily sure there is urgency when it comes to replacing a third point guard, although concern certainly is heightened when your starting point guard is 37 (Kyle Lowry) and now your back-up is 30 (Josh Richardson, who started Friday at shooting guard, and played well). And the party line all along has been that in Erik Spoelstra’s position-less world, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo do plenty of ballhandling and playmaking, and Tyler Herro certainly will do the same when he returns. Still, there is nothing wrong with insurance, even if more costly than anticipated (because Dru Smith’s full salary, and not just the $425,00 he was guaranteed, now is locked into the books for cap and tax purposes). In the short term, since 10-day contracts don’t begin until January, I would expect the Heat to add another point guard only when/if needed, and then only on a non-guaranteed, game-to-game arrangement. That could preclude a player returning from overseas, such as a Kendrick Nunn, or perhaps even an older veteran who has been out of the league and would need time for conditioning.
Q: Who would have thought we would be talking of missing Duncan Robinson and meaning it? – Sam.
A: You know who? Duncan Robinson. Through all of those darkest days when he was shuffled out of the rotation, he persevered to become a success story this season. A previous version of Duncan was far more replaceable – just find a hot hand from three. But Duncan has been so much more complete this season, so you also miss his passing, cutting, and defensive level that is superior to that of Cole Swider. For all of those who said Duncan took the money and ran. He did – all the way to the practice court to sharpen his game. He has made himself an essential rotation component. And, now, missed.
Q: Jamie Jaquez Jr. was minus-18 Friday night. Too many minutes for a rookie. – Will.
A: Disagree. He has been a quality closer to this point. And if not Jaime, who else on Friday night. Caleb Martin clearly still isn’t himself. So the only other option would have been Jamal Cain. Besides, the only way a rookie can grow and learn and be fast tracked is through such situations. I have no issue with his 34:52.