Q: It seems like the Heat need a small defensive guard. – Stuart.
A: And have needed one for a while, especially now that Kyle Lowry, even when healthy, no longer, at 37, is able to contain opposing guards at the point of attack. There was a chance that Dru Smith could have filled that role, but now he is gone for the season with his ACL tear. There was a thought that Josh Richardson could fill such a role, but he has been injured and has struggled in that regard when healthy. So, yes, opposing speed guards, opposing quick guards are an issue. The hope at the moment is that a healthy Caleb Martin could take on that role, leaving the Heat with another waiting game. And there always is the Jimmy Butler possibility, not that he doesn’t already have enough on his plate. Who knows, maybe Jamal Cain, after what he did against Tyrese Maxey and Stephen Curry becomes an answer in that regard.
Q: Can we compare Jimmy Butler to the Dolphins’ situation at left tackle – great but too often unavailable? – Jose.
A: The only fair comparisons to Jimmy Butler are those that involve players who have gotten their teams to the conference finals in three out of four years. So, no, even though I see where you’re going, not comparable. When Jimmy has a debilitating playoff injury, then perhaps the question would stand more valid. But December injuries in the NBA can easily be forgotten and forgiven in April. May and June.
Q: Ira, Tyler Herro seems to have low-scoring fourth quarters. What do you make of that? – Joel, Fort Lauderdale.
A: Actually, Tyler Herro previously had stood as a leading fourth-quarter scorer. The difference now is that with Jimmy Butler sidelined, Tyler becomes the focus of the opposing defense, arguably the Heat lone perimeter threat when Jimmy is out of the game. But this also is a learning experience, of what it is like to stand as a defensive focus when playing as offensive leading man. Overall, I’m not sure questioning Tyler’s offense is a place to start when it comes to this team’s concerns.
