ASK IRA: With Love out and Jovic not in, what does that say for Jovic’s Heat role?
Is there a pathway for Nikola Jovic into the Miami Heat's rotation?
Q: Going forward, does Erik Spoelstra bring Kevin Love back over Nikola Jovic in backup minutes, or neither with Caleb Martin coming back? I think Love could be very beneficial, if fresh, in the postseason. But building some value with Jovic for possible midseason trades might be smart as well. Also, Haywood Highsmith over Caleb Matin in the starting unit? – Eddie.
A: There is no Nikola Jovic role for Kevin Love to step into because there currently is no Nikola Jovic role. The path to Kevin Love minutes, as long as Haywood Highsmith is starting, would be as backup center, and then would require playing him ahead of Thomas Bryant (which I still view as potentially possible). As for Caleb Martin, I envision him as more of a versatile wing option off the bench who could enter and defend at all three wing spots. But don’t overstate Haywood being locked in at power forward. The Heat still have to prove they can win while playing this small.
Q: Josh Richardson isn’t good enough anymore. – Diamond.
A: Let’s not make that judgment two appearances into his season. The time off at the end of the preseason and start of the regular season did not help. No, he probably is not what he once was, but there still could be enough there to help. There eventually will be plenty to sort out in the perimeter rotation as Caleb Martin moves toward a return. For now, Martin remains out, so the opportunity will be there for Josh Richardson.
Q: I, for one, am glad that trade did not get done. Damian Lillard is great but I think Tyler Herro has more upside for the long run. What do you think? – Tony, Port Saint Lucie.
A: That it is way, way, way too early for that. Damian Lillard has built an All-Star resume over an entire career. Tyler Herro has built an All-Star resume over the season’s first two weeks, and has yet to do it with an accompanying winning record. There is no need for such snap judgements.