ASK IRA: Time for Larrson, Jovic for Heat in Game 2 vs. Cavalires?
A: Except that never has been the Heat or Erik Spoelstra way. No matter the odds, the Heat play to win. The Heat already have a reasonable sense of what Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic are and what they could be. You don't push from a No. 10 seed and give up a lottery spot only to utilize the postseason for player development. That said, in this series and after the way Game 1 against the Cavaliers played out, there could be something to be said for both Pelle and Nikola. While Alec Burks and Duncan Robinson can provide needed spacing, Pelle's feistiness might provide needed energy, and Nikola's length might at least help impede. Plus both have the ability to diversify the offense beyond the one-dimensional play of Alec and Duncan. Erik Spoelstra said at Wednesday morning's shootaround that both are cleared to go, Pelle from his ankle sprain, Nikola from his broken hand. How ready? Perhaps that is what we need to see next.
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Q: The Heat need to get Tyler Herro some defensive help. – Sandy.
A: And at times they have, including in the play-in round, when, at points he was surrounded by Bam Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell. The difference is that against Cleveland you also have to be able to score, which means balancing defensive lineups with offensive elements, as well. If Wiggins can become more of a scorer, it would be easier for Erik Spoelstra to play more of a defensive lineup.
Q: No votes for Kel'el Ware for Rookie of the Year? That doesn't sound right. – Michael.
A: That is not what happened. The NBA on Sunday merely named the three finalists for each of the major awards, with no Heat players on that list. That does not mean Heat players did not receive votes, only that they did not receive enough to be one of the three finalists for each award, with the winners to be announced later in the playoffs. And, frankly, when it comes to Kel'el Ware for Rookie of the Year, Bam Adebayo for Defensive Player of the Year or Tyler Herro for Sixth Man of the Year, that sounds about right. But, again, it does not mean they did not receive votes from the media panel. The real question is whether Kel'el is named to one of the All-Rookie teams, Bam to one of the All-Defensive teams, with Herro a longshot for one of the All-NBA teams.
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