ASK IRA: Have Heat backup centers been reduced to Plan C and Plan D?

Q: Ira, are the Heat done with Thomas Bryant and Orlando Robinson? – Andy.

A: Not with Bam Adebayo remaining a fixture on the injury report with his hip bruise. But when Bam and Kevin Love are available, it looks like that will be the limit of a 1-2 punch at center. What could be interesting to see is whether Erik Spoelstra might move to Orlando Robinson over Thomas Bryant if either Bam and Kevin are out. And that’s not even getting into Nikola Jovic and the whole issue of whether he is a center.

Q:  Ira, the Heat have done well recently threading the needle over who to keep and who to let go. Any idea if they will be able to retain Caleb Martin and what type of contract he might receive? Do you think they should try to keep him? He’s definitely been the best of the Heat’s recent developmental guys.– John, Ocala.

A: The evaluation of a player ahead of free agency does not come solely in a vacuum. Does Caleb Martin make the Heat better? That is without question. Can he be a starter on a championship team? He certainly was trending that way in last season’s Eastern Conference finals. But unless a player is an undeniable cornerstone, there has to be care with contracts. To me, what could sway a decision with Caleb could be the cost effectiveness of the rest of the rotation. Already, we’re seeing signs of Jaime Jacquez Jr. as a rookie-scale bargain. With Haywood Highsmith to be a restricted free agent, the Heat could find value there, as well. For now, it’s a waiting game, with Caleb yet to fully round into form after his offseason knee issue. Then, when he does, does he move into the starting lineup? So Caleb Martin’s free agency (it’s actually an opt-out)? Still to be determined.

Q: Now Erik Spoelstra says the Heat are a very good team. Wait and see again, or believe him? – Morgan, New Orleans.

A: Considering the Heat were without Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Haywood Highsmith, it almost felt as if, even in defeat, Tuesday’s loss to the Bucks was a step forward. But what we still need to see is how all the pieces mesh when all are available. Can Bam Adebayo be as dynamic a scorer with more scorers alongside? Will Kyle Lowry be as aggressive with a complete rotation available? We need to see it all, and all together, to know.