Q: We obviously disagree on Nikola Jovic. The international game is so different. I see a guy who, whether age 15 or 20 or 30, just does not “get it” – when and where to set screens, how to rotate on defense. Some guys see the game, some guys like KZ Okpala for example, never will. – Jon.
A: Still a bit harsh, but everyone certainly is entitled to an opinion until Nikola Jovic ultimately is in the rotation or out. The question is how many more opportunities, even as brief as Wednesday’s, there will be for Nikola once Bam Adebayo returns. For that matter, when Haywood Highsmith returns, that would further limit the chances, especially considering how Caleb Martin has come round from his preseason knee pain. Still, there have been enough international players who eventually have come around later in their NBA tenures that you don’t give up on a 20-year-old. Ultimately, an extended run in the G League might be the best means to take stock, particularly with a veteran-laden win-now roster such as the Heat’s. But, for now, Adebayo, Kevin Love, Martin, Highsmith and even now Orlando Robinson also are positioned above Nikola in the Heat’s power-rotation hierarchy.
Q: Orlando Robinson was on the team last year and they played Cody Zeller over him. We could have used Orlando in the NBA Finals. – Abel.
A: Perhaps this Orlando Robinson, the one we’ve seen over the past two weeks. But don’t sell short the gains made since the end of last season. The current Orlando Robinson is a significant upgrade on the Orlando Robinson on the roster at the end of last season. And remember, Orlando was on a two-way contract last season, and therefore ineligible for the postseason.
Q: What happened to Duncan Robinson? He appears to have learned how to play decent defense without fouling all the time and the refs are letting him play. And who knew that he had “game”? He is not just a 3-point shooter anymore. He has shown that he can drive and finish. Big improvement. – Irwin, Boynton Beach.
A: It’s all part of the growth and development process, with Erik Spoelstra reminding that development doesn’t have to stop after the first or second season in the league. Duncan Robinson is a testament to that. And, yes, he does seem to be getting more of a veteran whistle now that he is more of a veteran.
