ASK IRA: Should DeMar DeRozan be on the Heat’s personnel radar?
Q: Do you think DeMar DeRozan can put the Heat over the top? Rumor has it the Bulls will look to trade him before the February deadline. DeMar DeRozan’s career scoring average against the Heat is 26 points per game. It seems like he always hits a clutch shot in the fourth quarter. Isn’t DeRozan the type of player the Heat like? And he can create his own shot. – Stuart, Miami.
A: DeMar DeRozan has been a name linked for years to the Heat, and, yes. he does check many of the boxes of a Heat type of player. That said, he also is largely a midrange presence on a team already with ample such types. Plus, if such a deal were to be swung, then you well could have to decide about playing either DeMar or Tyler Herro off the bench. And that might not sit well with either. Also, to make the salary math work, you would be giving up Kyle Lowry, leaving the Heat without a true point guard. All of that said, it also would come down to the sweetener with Lowry. I wouldn’t give up Jaime Jaquez Jr., but might consider Caleb Martin, in light of Caleb’s impending free agency. But keep in mind that DeMar also is an impending free agent. And I’m not sure you move a draft pick for a 34-year-old. Yes, DeMar could help. But the cost could prove prohibitive.
Q: Is it time to consider putting Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the starting lineup and flipping Caleb Martin as the first reserve off the bench? Jaime Jaquez is putting up some consistent double-digit numbers each game. I would like to see him start to break 30 points. – Rodney.
A: But with Tyler Herro on the verge of returning, this is not that moment. The greater question is what the Heat do with Duncan Robinson and his 3-point spacing once Tyler returns. As it is, an argument could be made that Caleb Martin merely is a space holder until Haywood Highsmith returns. The bottom line is that in the wake of so many injuries, Erik Spoelstra has plenty of work ahead resetting his rotation.
Q: Would you say that 20, 30, 40 years ago there was more of a tendency to play through non-structural injuries, such as muscle bruises, twisted ankles, headaches and back spasms? And that team management, coaches and just the culture made for playing through injuries? But that today, too much decision-making power has been ceded to medical and training staffs and some players’ wishes to sit out too long? – Morgan, New Orleans.
A: I would say that it comes down to better techniques for testing and diagnosing. Before, it might have been a case of icing, a couple of anti-inflammatories and getting the player back on the court. Now, more is known about the long-term impact of players on long-term contracts. So it also is a matter of protecting and maximizing assets. Rarely have I come across a player who willingly sits, who isn’t anxious to return.