ASK IRA: Can Heat unearth their next Strus, Vincent from the current camp roster?

Q: I’m more upbeat on the Heat than most gurus because of how Erik Spoelstra managed to find playoff-caliber players when it counted last season. The present roster has many possibilities and permutations for success by April. – Leo, North Carolina.

A: And that’s a reasonable approach, since it wasn’t as if in December or January or even February that Gabe Vincent or Max Strus looked like definitive playoff answers for the Heat. Such is part of the balance of developing playoff-time contributors while also playing to win enough games to make the playoffs. What has gotten lost is that Tyler Herro was playing close to an All-Star level at the start of last season. There now also could be another stride from Caleb Martin. Plus, the Heat go into camp with a pair of open spots on the standard roster, which could mean the next Strus or Vincent emerging, or those openings could yet turn into prospects added after roster moves elsewhere around the league. What the NBA is about is augmenting star-level talent, and the Heat start at a reasonable place in that aspect with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

Q: Wondering if the NBA message they wanted to send is that if you want to force a trade, keep your mouth shut about where you want to go. – Brian, Fort Lauderdale.

A: Which is why I believe Commissioner Adam Silver interceded with his statement in July, when it still was Miami or bust for Damian Lillard. To the NBA, the landing spot did not matter as much as eliminating the threat of another player attempting the same approach. The reality is that if destination means more than money, then simply take the process into free agency and decide from there. That part of the process remains in player control (although even then, it requires the destination of choice to have cleared the necessary cap space, or at least create the opening for a sign-and-trade).

Q: It’s obvious Pat Riley has lost his touch so now it’s up to you Ira to salvage this team. You have to do whatever it takes to get Joel Embid to the Heat. Get Jimmy Butler on the phone to his buddy and make this happen. – Bob.

A: It, of course, doesn’t matter what I think when it comes to Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg working toward something bigger. But I continue to have doubts that the Heat would sacrifice Bam Adebayo in favor of Joel Embiid, given Embiid’s injury history and playoff struggles (never advancing past the conference semifinals).