Was there a long-term Miami Heat lesson in loss to Thunder?
Q: Ira, we have seen the template and it is the Thunder. They have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, and we have Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. They have Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey, and we have Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. That’s the way we have to go, too, even if it means moving off Jimmy Butler. – Desi.
A: There is a lot to digest here, so I’ll start with where you finished. Before summarily discarding Jimmy Butler for what I assume you would want as youth or draft capital, consider that for all Sam Presti has done in building the Thunder’s roster with youth, he has not been able to lift his team to the playoff level that Jimmy has with the Heat. The reason the Heat have been in the Eastern Conference finals three of the last four seasons is because of Jimmy. So be careful about wishing away what works. As for your comparison, and with all due respect, I’m not sure the combination of Herro-Adebayo equals the combination of Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren. Similarly, in light of the ongoing strides of Jalen Wiliams, I’m not sure Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic are at, or even close to, that level yet (although Jamie certainly stepped forward Friday night). Now, if you can do what the Thunder did in getting the next Shai for an aging Jimmy, that would be another story to address at another time.
Q: We need a big man. – Rick.
A: Yes. But no one listens to me. Thomas Bryant has had his moments this week, but the absence of Kevin Love has exposed a void in depth in the power rotation, especially when it comes to securing needed rebounds. That’s why it was somewhat confounding to spend both of the last two roster spots on guards, with the additions of both Delon Wright and Patty Mills.
Q: If Bam Adebayo wants to be considered an All-Star without question, he needs to play tougher in these types of games. – Pipsy.
A: Bam Adebayo is what he is – relentless on defense, a capable scorer on offense. If you are seeking more on the offensive end, you might continue to be disappointed But also do not sell short the amount of sweat Bam pours into the Heat’s success on defense. And if the Heat are to win, as they have been winning, it will be based on the success on defense. Still, these past two games were hardly his best moments. The Heat recognize as much, as does Bam.
