Without Tyler Herro, where do Miami Heat turn for offense?
Q: Ira, we couldn’t score even with Tyler Herro. Now where does the offense come from? – Eddie.
A: If it comes, and that is no guarantee, it’s going to have to be a little more from several contributors. The Heat are among teams that use the motto “one percent better” when discussing development. With this roster, it will have to be way more than one percent from several components. We witnessed some of that Wednesday night, with Kyle Lowry stepping up. But it also likely will have to be more from Jimmy Butler. And among the reserves, this particularly would be an encouraging time to see more from Josh Richardson, who was signed, to a degree, to play as a part-time Tyler Herro. About the only one who can’t possibly be asked to do more is Bam Adebayo. He is doing plenty already.
Q: While the Heat are limited with injuries (not including Tyler Herro), how is it possible that Thomas Bryant and Josh Richardson should be in the rotation? Bryant is awful on defense. Richardson has just been terrible offensively. No way Kevin Love isn’t better than Bryant. – Jeff, Bluffton, S.C.
A: And Kevin Love at backup center yet could become an option. As it is, the only available players who did not see action Wednesday night were Love and Orlando Robinson. As for Josh Richardson, this is what it can look like for a player who missed most of the preseason and then the start of the season. Just as it took time for Jimmy Butler to come around, Josh likely needs that time, as well, even if the timing is not great.
Q: There were no NBA games Monday night, so someone was bored having to be the only in the office working and this is what their boss came up with for busy work to do. – Kris.
A: Actually, the NBA reducing Bam Adebayo’s rebound total in Monday night’s victory over the Lakers was part of the audit process that is conducted after every game. The difference is that this one came after Bam had such a unique 22-20-10 stat line. The audit is required because there are many statistics-based bonuses that could impact the salary cap and other league/team finances.