Q: I’m a bit fearful our “run it back” mentality will flip into the yr after the Finals, after we acquired swept by the Bucks. We tried to patch the 4 spot with an undersized Moe Harkless, the identical means it appears we’re going to strive the identical with Caleb Martin. Even if Caleb is our starter, now we have no backup 4, both. Wouldn’t Haywood Highsmith’s contract be higher served as a two-way, in order that it opens up a roster spot for say a Blake Griffin? – Sylvester, Philadelphia.
A: The Haywood Highsmith factor is one I raised throughout summer time league. The downside is the way in which that Haywood’s contract is structured, one other crew can declare him off waivers on the NBA-minimum scale whereas additionally not having to fret about guaranteeing his contract. So, mainly, it might be unlikely he would clear waivers, which might be a required transfer if the Heat would need to (and Highsmith would acquiesce to) make the shift to a two-way. But there are different avenues to including a veteran presence at energy ahead, be it a Blake Griffin or Markieff Morris or one other participant nonetheless unsigned. Foremost could be using the roster spot in any other case to be taken by Udonis Haslem. Of course, the Heat additionally might merely play Haslem, who’s an influence ahead. Beyond that, the Heat do retain the choice of including a fifteenth participant now at energy ahead after which working later to get beneath the luxurious tax at season’s finish. Or it merely might be that the entrance workplace is comfy with the pool of Martin and Highsmith, in addition to different outsized or undersized lineups, within the energy rotation. And keep in mind, if the Heat ship out extra gamers in a commerce than they convey in, a roster spot would then be opened for such an extra signing of an influence ahead.
Q: Ira, if Pat Riley can’t discover one other celebrity at a discount worth, or make a commerce for somebody like Harrison Barnes or Gordon Hayward by the buying and selling deadline, the most effective transfer may be to focus on a participant like Kevin Love after a buyout. – Gabe, Miami.
A: First, the Cavaliers, who plan to be within the playoff race, may not essentially be sellers. But, to the conundrum raised within the query above, an addition on the buyout deadline might additionally present a solution. That, nonetheless, could be taking a decidedly lengthy view, contemplating such strikes usually don’t come till late February or March.
Q: Bring Hassan Whiteside again. He has matured. – Shane.
A: While that definitely has turn out to be a sound place, the Heat hardly are in place to signal one other middle, with Dewayne Dedmon re-signed and with the developmental prospects of Omer Yurtseven. Oftentimes it comes down to groups eager to strive one thing new. At 33 (sure, he’s that outdated), Hassan Whiteside may merely have aged out.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com