Have Miami Heat solidified power rotation in summer league?
Q: Ira, you really want to tell me that Erik Spoelstra prefers Orlando Robinson to a proven NBA player like Omer Yurtseven?– Masoud, Tucson, Ariz.
A: I would tell you that for the role of third-string center, there is more comfort with the growth curve with Orlando Robinson than Omer Yurtseven. But I also would not overstate Orlando and what he is doing during summer league. He hardly is a lock to make the roster. It is one thing to do it against summer-league competition, another against bigger, faster, stronger NBA competition. As for Omer, I believe the Heat had doubts that Omer could accept being a seldom-used third option in the middle.
Q: Is there a reason Kendrick Nunn has not been signed by any team thus far? Yes, the past two years with the Lakers and Wizards were disappointments with an injury and limited playing time, but prior to that he averaged about 12 points. – Steve, Boynton Beach.
A: Pretty much for the same reason everything in the NBA seemingly has stopped – Damian Lillard and James Harden. The league wants to see what happens there and what the fallout might be in terms of roster vacancies. It is not unusual for a lengthy lull after the initial round of free-agent signings. And I would have no issue with a Kendrick Nunn return if the Heat wind up with such available roster space.
Q: Damian Lillard is 33 today. Not 23. The Blazers’ asking price is too high. I hope the Heat don’t cave. He is essentially a two-year rental. The Heat need to stay tough. – Chadwick, Lake Worth.
A: Actually, he would be a four-year rental, since Damian Lillard is under contract for four more seasons at nearly $200 million. And that is what is getting lost in the equation. That is not an age nor a contract where the bidding needs to get outlandish, because there are few suitors, and perhaps only one suitor (when factoring in Lillard’s desire to solely play for the Heat). The Blazers are the ones in a bind, not the Heat.
