ASK IRA: What should the level of Heat concern be with Adebayo to be out again?

Q: Ira, saw what Erik Spoelstra said about no long-term concern with Bam Adebayo. So why another week without him? – Peter.

A: So there won’t be two weeks without him or three. The last thing the Heat need is an on-again, off-again starter. At some point, continuity has to be developed. And that will be particularly significant when Tyler Herro returns and Erik Spoelstra gets a look at a mix that was so uneven at the start of the season. Everything said by the Heat has been optimistic regarding Bam Adebayo, and he likely would force the issue and return sooner if allowed. So patience, while preferably winning in the interim.

Q: Ira, I heard you ask about the Heat defense without Bam Adebayo on Saturday night. That had nothing to do with not having Bam. Like Erik Spoelstra said, that was point of attack. – Wes.

A: And that’s where other teams will go to school, because you still can attack Duncan Robinson, can attack Kyle Lowry, and can school Jaime Jaquez Jr. during these formative stages. Typically, the Heat can overcome that with a five-men-on-a-string approach. But it is more difficult when one of those men isn’t Bam Adebayo, when Caleb Martin still doesn’t fully have his legs, and when Haywood Highsmith again is sidelined.

Q: The Heat got two great assists in the off season: The Lakers not grabbing Jaime Jaquez Jr., even though he played right under their nose, and Blazers not grabbing the initial deal Heat offered. – Jon.

A: While you are correct about the Lakers drafting Jalen Hood-Schifino last June at No. 17, one spot ahead of when the Heat took Jaime Jaquez Jr. out of UCLA at No. 18, I would slow down on the Blazers portion of your theory. With Portland essentially declining to take the Heat’s calls, not sure the teams ever got to the point of great detail on specifics. Joe Cronin appeared more set on creating the look of not capitulating to Damian Lillard on the demand to go to the Heat, rather than fulfilling his Blazers responsibilities as general manager to find the best possible deal.