Q: There is no blockbuster trade coming down the pike that's going to magically transform this year's Heat team. So isn't our only hope for improvement needed from our current young players? What if Nikola Jovic becomes a true starter with improved play? And Jaime Jaquez Jr. takes another big step in his development? Jimmy Butler is motivated to play 70 plus games and Terry Rosier becomes the player we thought he was when we traded for him? Then add Bam Adebayo developing a 3-point shot to his current game, and Tyler Herro staying healthy. Then maybe we get homecourt advantage. Even if all this happens, do you really see us competing at the level with the rest of the East's top-tier teams, especially with all the improvements and additions they've made? - Bob, Davie.
A: This whole finished-at-the-start narrative has to stop, or at least be deferred. We simply don't know yet. Granted, in the void of elite talent, it requires more boxes to be checked, such as the ones you list. But when it comes to outkicking expectations, that routinely has become a norm for this Heat roster, as the majority of the postseasons have shown these past five seasons. And, again, it's early. This South Florida sports fatalism has gone to stop, or at least be put on pause. Take the Dolphins. Yes, 1-3, but still with a chance to move to 3-3 against two shaky upcoming opponents (not that the Dolphins aren't as shaky, as well). But, simply, it's not over until it's over . . . and it's certainly not over for the Heat in training camp.
Q: Ira, I appreciate you putting perspective on the Heat's success. However, the past two seasons (shorter-term perspective) have not been pretty. Back-to-back play-ins, hard-to-watch regular seasons. And aside from Bam Adebayo and Jaime Jaquez Jr., not much to hang our hat on. Jimmy Butler has shown he can't take the team all the way; he's on the back side of his best. It doesn't have to be a teardown, but this team could use a fresh start maybe without its current Alpha. Management must be at a crossroads. - Jim, Columbia, S.C.
A: Actually, management has been one of the most supportive elements of the Heat's current equation. It is why this group largely has returned intact. If there is ample availability (which remains a huge "if" with this roster), then optimism yet could win the moment. Perhaps it's because the Heat are training in the calming, relaxed, breezy Bahamas, but at the moment . . . don't worry, be happy.
Q: Have we really reached the point of painstakingly analyzing and reaching conclusions based upon how Jimmy Butler looks on Media Day? - Bill, Palm Beach Gardens
A: Well, he looked ready for the challenge ahead on media day, so there's that. (But if there wasn't a rushed return from Europe, there still would have been a unique look on media day.) What Jimmy says, or even what he does off the court, doesn't matter nearly as much as how often he is on the court. When Jimmy Butler plays, the Heat are better. And now, with an extension potentially looming, it will pay for him to play.