ASK IRA: Is developmental expertise slipping away from Heat?

Q: I like Micah Potter in summer season league final yr, however didn’t see him play within the G League. I hope it seems for the perfect. – Ces.

A: This was in response to Micah Potter being traded from the Heat’s G League affiliate to the Pistons’ G League affiliate, after which being signed to a camp contract by Detroit. But that’s what occurs within the G League, you make selections on how a participant may or won’t suit your group and you then transfer on. The Heat already have two development projects on their NBA roster, in Omer Yurtseven and Nikola Jovic, plus additionally they have focused Orlando Robinson for additional growth, probably with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. At a sure level, you chop bait to see what else you possibly can reel in. And the Heat’s strategy with their G League group is to groom gamers for the NBA. Should that participant wind up with one other NBA group, so be it. That nonetheless additionally validates the developmental course of.

Q: Now that the Nets have known as Kevin Durant’s bluff, Pat Riley is left with nothing. This group isn’t higher in the present day than it was final yr. Riley ought to have gone after Myles Turner. – Faye.

A: First, he nonetheless might. But the Pacers seemingly would like the Lakers’ first-round picks to the Heat’s, just because the Heat hardly ever fall from playoff rivalry. When the Lakers are dangerous, they are often actually dangerous. But, additionally, who’s to say the Heat aren’t higher than final season? Yes, P.J. Tucker is gone, however what concerning the potential for progress from inside?

Q: Since Udonis Haslem appears fairly content material to attract tens of millions of {dollars} yearly in wage for sitting on the finish of the bench doing nothing. Do you suppose if Pat Riley instructed him to be prepared to start out this yr averaging 40 or extra minutes per recreation, he could be induced to retire already? – Jerry, Coral Springs.

A: No, Udonis Haslem is content material to take a seat on the bench and assist inspire teammates to better heights. And nobody goes to pressure feed minutes to Udonis as a result of that could be a ridiculous notion. But that doesn’t imply he doesn’t need to play. With a lot uncertainty at energy ahead, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if Haslem maybe goes out working up a lather from greater than sidelined exhortations.

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