Q: Ira, is Kevin Durant teasing us? Now it’s Boston and Philadelphia as an alternative of us and Phoenix. It’s like he can’t make up his thoughts. – Art.
A: First, as has been the case since Kevin Durant’s commerce request grew to become public on June 30, it nonetheless just isn’t about what he needs, however reasonably what works greatest for the Nets. With 4 extra seasons underneath contract, Durant just isn’t in place, as he could be if he have been an impending free agent, to dictate phrases. But, sure, the calculus now appears to be altering day by day, with the most recent report of the 76ers and Celtics turning into Durant’s present locations of selection. It definitely is comprehensible that he has moved on from his Phoenix needs, contemplating Deandre Ayton is off the market. And maybe there’s a realization that if the Heat aren’t providing Bam Adebayo that there is no such thing as a deal to be made with Brooklyn. But Philadelphia? What precisely is there remaining in return after all the pieces was cleared out by the 76ers within the James Harden commerce? On one hand, Durant’s needs and the accompanying inaction has introduced the personnel market to a half. On the opposite hand, his state of affairs has produced the specified results of maintaining the NBA within the summer-doldrum headlines. So there’s that.
Q: I don’t assume Kevin Durant needs to place up with Pat Riley, who has at all times been the de-facto coach. – Centrist.
A: No, Pat Riley has not. Erik Spoelstra has teaching autonomy, but in addition the utmost respect to work in live performance with Riley. And in Spoelstra, it could give Kevin Durant the very best (or second greatest, relying on the view on Steve Kerr) coach that Kevin has performed underneath throughout his profession. The largest destructive for Durant with the Heat may merely be the Heat missing the belongings wanted to get him to South Florida.
Q: Hey Ira, I believe most old skool Heat followers (me included) wish to see Udonis Haslem in a Heat uniform for his twentieth season. However, what’s greatest for the workforce: nostalgia and locker-room presence or signing a veteran energy ahead that may give us 25 minutes per recreation? Could retirement be how UD helps the workforce most this season? – David, Venice.
A: But this all is moot. If Udonis Haslem was not returning, he would have despatched such a message to the Heat by now, and the Heat, in flip, would have signed a participant for the 14th roster roster. This isn’t any indication of something aside from a twentieth Heat season, and, this time, probably a proper farewell tour.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com