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Q: Seems like the best games post-Jimmy Butler were when Nikola Jovic was in the lineup. Is he the X-factor? – Cesar, Lake Mary.
A: I’m not sure I would go that far, but Nikola Jovic’s versatility and creativity is missed at the late stages of games when the Heat have severely been lacking with both. Plus, he had provided the type of late-game 3-point threat that helped open the floor for teammates. With Nikola, it is another case of not knowing what you had until it’s gone. At least there remains hope of a return before the close of the regular season. Even in Wednesday night’s loss to the Clippers you could see how he could have helped amid Kel’el Ware’s struggles. No, he would not have stopped Ivica Zubac, lacking the strength in that matchup, but Nikola at least could have offered more on the other end than Kel’el was able to muster. As it is, we’re still two weeks away from learning when/if Nikola would be back this regular season.
Q: Ira, do you think the Heat would be better off in the long run losing in the play-in round and getting a Top 15 draft pick as opposed to advancing out of the play-in round and losing in the first round of the playoffs? – Barry, Deerfield Beach.
A: Absolutely not. If the Heat are in the lottery this year, it means an unprotected first-round pick to Oklahoma City in 2026 and to Charlotte in 2028. That is the last thing any team can afford, since almost any team is one key injury from calamity. Having two unprotected first-round picks is the type of situation that gets front-office personnel sacked elsewhere (but not here). Failing to make the playoffs this year and having two first-round picks in the next three years totally out of the Heat’s hands would be an unmitigated disaster of the highest level. They basically have to make the playoffs, take a first-round spanking (need be), if only to protect their draft future.
Q: “Familiarity breeds contempt” was never truer than with Jimmy Butler, who blew up three teams before finding happiness with Golden State. Amazing how all his physical ailments have gone away. – Brian, San Marcos, Calif.
A: I think it’s more like contract extension breeds contentment. Jimmy Butler was going to be quite happy in any locale that came with another season at $50 million. If Pat Riley paid the money last July, Jimmy would have had nothing but good things to say about the roster construction of Erik Spoelstra’s playing system. But the money wasn’t there, so Jimmy decided he wouldn’t be there, either.
