Pergunte ao IRA: Será que o Heat vai reforçar a sua lista? P: Recuso-me a acreditar que Pat Riley não vai fazer mais alguns movimentos agora que a temporada de buy-in já começou. Eu sei que alguém vai se livrar (Jared Sullinger) ou vir do exterior (Jimmer Fredette) que o Heat vai atacar e desenvolvê-los em uma estrela como nenhuma outra equipe poderia. - Robert. R: Para se envolver, o Heat primeiro deve abrir um local de lista, e isso se resume ao tempo de suas maquinações com Chris Bosh. Tendo esperado tanto tempo, teria sentido que o calor fosse tão deliberado quanto necessário. Em certo ponto, eu pensei que era possível que o Heat pudesse passar de Luke Babbitt depois do prazo. Em vez disso, ele acabou por ser titular de uma das melhores equipes da NBA, estabelecendo o tom para a vitória de sexta-feira em Atlanta com seus primeiros 3 pontos. No que diz respeito à adição de um jogador para o desenvolvimento, pode-se argumentar que o Heat está fazendo isso na D-League, com a Sioux Falls Skyforce, seja com Keith Benson ou talvez com jogadores recentemente adicionados a essa lista, como Como Greg Whittington ou Johan Petro. P: Eu acho que Mike Scott seria uma ótima adição a essa equipe de Heat, um cara atlético e de alto-motor que pode bater no 3-ball. Além disso, o calor é conhecido por carreiras de rejuvenescimento. Seus pensamentos - Tre, Abbeville, AL A: Scott tem sido um pouco de um arco descendente desde 2013-14, quando ele média de 9,6 pontos. E então há isto, da conta de seu comércio a (e liberação subseqüente de) os sóis de Phoenix, pelo Associated Press: o quotScott ainda enfrenta cargas relacionadas com drogas de uma apreensão o último julho 30. Era em um SUV conduzido por seu Irmão que foi eventualmente puxado por autoridades perto de Atlanta depois de alcançar velocidades de 99 mph, dizem funcionários do xerife. Deputados disseram que encontraram uma onça de maconha e 10,9 gramas de MDNA, comumente conhecido como Molly, no veículo. Scott foi acusado de posse de maconha e posse de uma droga programada. Em outras palavras, Scott poderia enfrentar uma suspensão prolongada com base no resultado desse caso, possivelmente até mesmo além de uma temporada completa. Como é, ele é um avançado sem uma posição de frente específica. Envie sua pergunta Envie suas perguntas para Heat beat escritor Ira Winderman e verificar suas respostas aqui. Preencha meu formulário on-line. Envie suas perguntas para Heat beat escritor Ira Winderman e verificar suas respostas aqui. Preencha meu formulário on-line. Q: Hey Ira, com Magic Johnson agora executando o show em LA você poderia ver Pat Riley no offseason fazendo uma corrida em sua loteria protegido Top 3 escolher em um swap para Hassan Whiteside e Miamis primeiro rounder, com uma possibilidade de absorver Luol Deng ou Timofey Mozgovs contrato - Amos, Orlando. A: Isso é muito para engolir e certamente ficando muito à frente da curva. Primeiro, não tenho certeza de que a conexão Riley-Johnson irá necessariamente facilitar negócios. Mas você faz um ponto maior, e que é sobre a espera de saber onde picaretas do projecto vai cair antes de fazer negócios. Uma vez que a loteria é mais, desde que eles não fazem os playoffs, o calor não só vai saber a colocação de sua seleção de draft, mas também os do saldo da liga. Então, se Riley quer fazer um acordo relacionado ao rascunho, ele teria uma percepção muito maior da posição que poderia alvejar e, portanto, também sabe a posição que ele poderia dispor. Com tanta qualidade neste draft anos, eu acho que é uma das razões que tão poucas picaretas foram tratadas no prazo. As bolas saltando no funil de loteria provavelmente irá determinar onde as equipes vão virar próximo quando se trata de retomar os comércios no offseason antes do projecto. Não parece que Pat Riley tenha um plano para o futuro. O resto da liga está apenas ajudando LeBron James a ganhar mais títulos. Por que o Heat só queria ser um oitavo semente - Jeffrey. P: Qual é a razão de não terem sido feitos movimentos antes do prazo de negociação para os ativos futuros? É uma coisa certa que outras equipes teriam ido para James Johnson ou Dion Waiters pelo menos para uma pick da segunda rodada. Diga-me por favor que o calor não está indo overpay Waiters e Johnson no próximo ano, fazendo exame de todo o espaço da tampa do contrato de Chris Boshs. - Alex, Miami. P: Estou feliz que o Heat não tenha feito nenhum movimento mudo. Eu prefiro segurar Dion Waiters e James Johnson e ter uma chance de que o calor pode assiná-los a contratos razoáveis, ao invés de dar-lhes para um segundo rounder ou até mesmo um final de primeira rodada, que você pode comprar por dinheiro em projecto dia. - David. P: Então ninguém quer Dion Waiters ou James Johnson e deveria estar animado sobre a assinatura desses caras para negócios de longo prazo em torno de 10 milhões por - Joel. P: Agora Pat Riley pode pagar demais Waiters e James Johnson - Aura. R: Bem, isso resume o cross-section recebido no dia em que o Heat ficou parado, tudo de como o Heat deveria ter vendido baixo para como o Heat agora deve gastar grande em seus jogadores de aluguel em agência livre. Primeiro, se o Heat pudesse ter obtido uma primeira escolha de qualidade para Waiters ou Johnson (ou mesmo Wayne Ellington ou Willie Reed), tenho certeza de que tal movimento teria sido feito. Havia muitas mentes inteligentes naquele quarto para contornar a oportunidade de recuperar o que anteriormente havia sido gasto. Mas, em segundo lugar, é mais provável que não havia nada de valor a ser tido, uma vez que não é como se outras equipes na parte inferior da corrida de playoff didnt têm ativos semelhantes para vender. Das perguntas acima, o que é o mais intrigante é que talvez não custará tanto quanto a previsão de manter Waiters andor Johnson, que talvez o mercado falou de uma forma na quinta-feira que deu ao calor esperança de manter a maior parte deste núcleo e Ainda ser capaz de pagar algo mais. Claro, também há o contador sobre Pat Riley falando tão altamente desses jogadores que eles podem agora estar esperando para ser mostrado o dinheiro. Em vez de uma explosão da equipe atual, o que dizer de uma equipe saudável de Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, Justis Winslow, Hassan Whiteside, com James Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Willie Reed, Rodney McGruder e Wayne Ellington saindo do banco Se você adicionou Blake Griffin à formação inicial e um verdadeiro guarda-costas (Briante Weber), onde essa equipe se classificaria na Conferência Leste - Gary, Juno Beach. R: Não iria classificar em nenhuma parte, porque seria uma equipe de fantasia que não funciona sob o limite salarial. Se você devesse re-assinar James Johnson e Garçons para o seu valor de mercado provável em julho, dar Reed o aumento de salário ganhou, e pegar Ellingtons opção de jogador, você seria praticamente fora do espaço de tampa, muito menos posicionado para assinar um máximo Agente livre na faixa de 25 milhões a 30 milhões. É um agente livre máximo do máximo (se é mesmo possível ou WaitersJohnson ... E recorde, a reconstrução de Heats tem que vir este verão contanto que Tyler Johnson estiver na lista, com seu tampão batido triplicar no offseason 2018 devido à estrutura Do seu contrato. Q: O Miami Heat não tinha ninguém no jogo Rising Stars, ninguém no All-Star Sábado e não All-Star. Esta equipe precisa de mais motivação - Luchey. Realmente, o que o calor necessário É o que eles obtiveram, tempo fora da constante empurrar para cima a classificação para descomprimir. Você poderia dizer nas perdas para os 76ers e Nets que eles estavam correndo em fumos, mesmo com o pontapé de acabamento forte contra os Rockets. Sobe significativamente quando eles voltam com o back-to-back definido neste fim de semana na sexta-feira à noite em Atlanta e, em seguida, casa sábado à noite contra Indiana. Fadiga já não pode ser uma desculpa, porque tanto os jogos importava este mês passado, Mais durante estes dois meses finais F da temporada, se playoffs são o objetivo. Q: Onde o Heat está com o prazo comercial aqui Eles aproveitam para se envolver em negócios, enquanto seus jogadores melhoraram seu valor e obter ativos dele Ou fazer o comércio de calor para um jogador que pode ajudá-los a fazer um playoff push - Eldridge , Parra, Filipinas. A: Eu acredito que há uma maneira de fazer as duas coisas. Se o Heat puder obter alguma coisa de qualidade de draft para Dion Waiters, talvez de uma das equipes que não conseguiu desembarcar em Lou Williams, eles poderiam esperar até o mercado de buyout, depois de 1 de março, para encontrar um substituto, Seguindo as maquinações de Chris Bosh. Como é, o Heat precisa encontrar minutos para Josh Richardson, que poderia deslizar para papel Waiters já no jogo das sextas-feiras em Atlanta. Então, se o Heat permanecer na corrida de playoff, eles poderiam adicionar um jogador que talvez seja espremido de outra equipe no prazo de negociação (Marcus Thonton), ou até mesmo um jogador voltando do exterior (Jimmer Fredette). Em outras palavras, mesmo se Waiters (ou Wayne Ellington ou James Johnson) for movido, há uma maneira, dentro de dias, de garantir uma substituição, talvez usando a exceção de 1,3 milhões de jogadores com deficiência que o Heat mantém até 10 de março para o ombro de Justise Winslows cirurgia. P: Seria um enorme erro agüentar os garçons e James Johnson. A não ser que o Heat obtenha um acordo entre eles para tomar a exceção de nível médio, Pat Riley perderá pelo menos um agora por nada. Vimos isso já com Joe Johnson e Luol Deng. Troque pelo menos um deles agora e concentre sua energia em aterrar um quotwhalequot no off-season. - Gabriel, Miami. A: Isso se resume ao que eles poderiam obter. Para mim, se você está indo potencialmente descarrilar um playoff empurrar ele teria que ser tanto para algum tipo de primeira rodada pick (mesmo protegido, mesmo se no final da estrada) ou um pacote de segunda volta picaretas (que, em seguida, poderia Ser utilizado como quotsweetenersquot para outros negócios potenciais abaixo a estrada). Q: Se o Heat cortar Josh McRoberts no prazo de negociação eles seriam responsáveis por seu salário na próxima temporada - Carl, Kapaa, Havaí. R: Sim, é por isso que é altamente improvável que o Heat possa encontrar um tomador para a McRoberts no prazo de negociação. É uma coisa de comércio para chegar até o salário piso e fiscal sair antes do jogo. É outro para ser selado com McRoberts opção de 6 milhões de jogadores para a próxima temporada, a menos que você permaneça da esperança de que as lesões, finalmente, pode ser evitado. O resultado mais provável é a utilização da provisão de estiramento na temporada com o salário McRoberts 2017-18, assim, ser capaz de média do salário remanescente ao longo de três temporadas para minimizar o salário anual (e 2017 offseason) hit salário. Q: Ira, qualquer pensamento sobre o movimento Lakers colocando Magic Johnson no comando e qualquer chance de ele e Pat Riley ligar em um ano ou dois em Los Angeles - Douglas. Q: Qualquer chance de Magic Johnson tenta empurrar Pat Riley longe do Heat - Marc. R: Para mim, estas são duas perguntas diferentes. Primeiro, tendo sido essencialmente seu próprio patrão durante duas décadas com o Heat, duvido que Pat trabalharia sob qualquer um quando se trata de pessoal. Mas eu podia ver Pat eventualmente se deslocando para algo mais próximo do papel que Jerry West segurou com os Grizzlies e especialmente agora com os Warriors, onde ele pode trabalhar como consultor, mover-se quando necessário para os movimentos maiores, mas não tem que lidar com O trabalho cotidiano do pessoal. Talvez esse papel possa vir com o Heat, com Andy Elisburg, Nick Arison e Shane Battier lidando com as questões do pessoal do dia-a-dia. Ou talvez pudesse acontecer de volta em Los Angeles com os Lakers, sentados na suíte executiva do Staples Center e oferecendo conselhos a Magic quando consultados ou quando intrigados. O pensamento de sempre foi de Pat semi-aposentado em algum ponto de volta para Los Angeles. Portanto, a questão é saber se ela envolverá uma relação bi-costeira com o Heat ou algo mais perto de casa com os Lakers. Eu esperaria Riley para resolver a questão em algum momento em breve, de modo a não afetar sua abordagem quando se trata de cortejar agentes livres no offseason. Q: Qualquer chance Heat trazer de volta Briante Weber se Golden State deixa ele ir - Wajih. R: Bem, isso provou ser a aproximação na temporada passada, quando Weber serviu 10 dias de tempo com os Grizzlies depois de deixar o Heats D-League afiliado, e depois voltou para o Heat para o final da temporada e playoffs. Mas por enquanto, figura em qualquer adição de listagem restante em espera até depois de quintas-feiras prazo de negociação da NBA e provavelmente não até o calor claro Chris Boshs local roster em algum momento em março ou depois disso. Q: Se houver qualquer mercado para James Johnson, Dion Waiters ou Willie Reed, então temos que fazer esse negócio, mesmo que seja apenas um segundo turno. Esses caras são iminentes agentes livres e não eram contendores, então por que não tomaria esta oportunidade para recuperar algumas picaretas que podem ajudar Se eles querem estar aqui, eles podem voltar. Vejo isso como uma situação de Aroldis ChapmanYankees. - Jazz. A: E eu não teria nenhum problema com essa abordagem. O objetivo, Im certeza, seria uma seleção de primeira rodada para Johnson ou garçons, mas enquanto Ive certamente apreciado este renascimento, eu aprecio que isso também permanece sobre o futuro. Se tal um negócio ou negócios caírem, eu aceitaria a perspectiva Heats. A menos, é claro, houve discussões backchannel com os agentes de Johnson e Garçons sobre possíveis compromissos quando viria a esta agência livre verões. P: Paging Pat Riley. Paging Pat Riley. Onde você está Os Pelicanos cometeram roubo. Pat mesmo pegar o telefone Por favor, não me diga que ele acha que Hassan Whiteside está na classe DeMarcus Primos. Os pelicanos cometeram roubo eo fato de que Boogie não está jogando para o Heat me diz que Pat não tentou. Mesmo sem picaretas, Pat conseguiu puxá-lo. - Eric. R: Diz que o Heat não conseguiu, neste momento, trocar sua pick 2017 de primeira rodada e não poderia negociar um até 2023, por causa da regra NBAs proibiu a negociação de sucessivas picaretas de primeira rodada. Além disso, quem vai dizer que os Reis cobiçaram qualquer um dos jogadores Heats jovens como eles cobiçado Buddy Hield Eles teriam tomado Justise Winslow Parece Vlade Divac foi fixado no Hields marcando potencial. Eu sei, depois de conversar com as pessoas durante a visita de Heats a Sacramento, que os Reis não tinham interesse em reagir a Hassan. Assim não importa o que Pat Riley pensa sobre primos contra Whiteside. Essa parte da equação é discutível. O que eu não entendi foi a pressa dos Reis para fazer um acordo. Com a forte possibilidade de o Heat eventualmente segurando uma melhor escolha de primeira rodada que os Pelicanos, o Heat poderia ter recrutado um jogador para os Reis e, em seguida, tratou esse jogador imediatamente após o projecto (que é permitido). Muito disso se resume a lidar com uma entidade tão irracional quanto a frente de Kings. Eu ficaria chocada - chocada - se o Heat não tentasse, em algum momento, participar da discussão sobre Cousins. Essa é uma especialidade do Heat, ressuscitando carreira. P: Deveríamos ir para Matt Barnes - Adrian. R: Não é um ajuste. Sim, ele poderia ser um upgrade potencial sobre Rodney McGruder, mas o que isso é sobre também é salvaguardar o futuro. Assim, a juventude ganha nessa equação. E enquanto o Heats habilidades para ressuscitar foram mencionados acima, que está mais em linha com a tomada de um jovem jogador e revivendo uma carreira. Eu apenas não posso ver esta equipe assumir esse nível de drama e um tempo como este. Q: Os negócios estão lá. Não ter picar dói. - Juan. A: Compre também você tem que adicionar perspectiva para onde as picaretas foram. Eles foram para os Suns em um momento que o Heat tinha Dwyane Wade e Chris Bosh e estavam procurando o complemento perfeito no ponto de guarda. E você pode fazer um caso que se Bosh permanecesse saudável, aquelas duas picaretas first-round combinadas não teriam rendido alguém tão produtivo quanto Goran Dragic. Para toda a consternação sobre onde o Heat stand e seus recursos limitados, não perder de vista a realidade de que seu jogador mais bem pago foi marginalizado por coágulos de sangue que ameaçam a vida enquanto, até este ponto, permanecendo no limite salarial. O que complicou a vida para o Heat não é tanto quanto os dois primeiros rounds picks tratados como o poder All-Star perder. Leve o jogador mais bem pago de qualquer lista e, em seguida, o que seria que os recursos de equipes parecem Q: Paul George Jimmy Butler DeMarcus primos Pat Riley está negociando para os três deles, à direita - Trevon. R: Colocando o sarcasmo de lado, Im apenas não sei o que o calor teria que oferecer, uma vez que a maioria das equipes movendo uma estrela tendem a ser equipes que procuram reconstruir. E quando se trata de draft picaretas, apenas o Brooklyn Nets pode ter menos a oferecer, ao considerar os dois potenciais loteria picaretas o calor deve o Suns para Goran Dragic. Quanto aos que você mencionou: Os Pacers estão tentando estender George, não trocá-lo (e enquanto George talvez não seja receptivo no momento, o dinheiro tem uma maneira de conversar). Mordomo, se tratado, como vai a uma equipe com oodles de picaretas do esboço (tal como os Celtics). E Cousins já foi tratado. Mesmo que o Heat estivesse disposto a colocar Hassan Whiteside ou Goran Dragic em jogo, não tenho certeza de que haveria um talento de substituição equivalente disponível em troca. Q: Alguém nesta lista (além de Goran Dragic e Hassan Whiteside) dar um primeiro rounder para o próximo projecto Tanto quanto eu adoro assistir James Johnson, ele não poderia ser virado para um candidato para uma pick tarde no primeiro turno como um aluguer Então nós teríamos duas picaretas de meio a baixo neste rascunho profundo que poderia ser empacotado para algo melhor (ou produzir um par de jovens jogadores bons para se desenvolver). Então, se James realmente gosta em Miami (e percebe como Erik Spoelstra lhe deu a oportunidade de abrir seu jogo), ele poderia voltar como um agente livre no próximo ano, embora com um preço um pouco mais alto. - Ryan, Gainesville. R: Como eu escrevi na minha coluna de domingo duas semanas atrás, um longo tempo da NBA scout disse que ele não podia imaginar o Heat ser capaz de pousar uma pick de primeira rodada (para esta temporada, uma temporada futura, ou loteria-protegido) para Quer Johnson e garçons. Agora, concedido, que foi antes de Johnson e Garçons alimentado esta corrida de 14 vitórias nos Jogos de última hora 16. Mas eu não acho que tal oferta estaria lá. Mas mesmo que seja, a embalagem de picaretas no meio da primeira rodada raramente é um ponto de decolagem para algo melhor, como evidenciado pelo gatilho falhado Celtics para embalar tais seleções e mover-se para rascunho Justise Winslow em 2015. P: Basicamente Por ter Chris Boshs cap espaço de volta para a próxima temporada, você acha que o Heat pode convencer Blake Griffin (ele parece o mais provável superstar possivelmente deixar sua equipe) que se unindo com Hassan Whiteside e Goran Dragic é suficiente para fazer o calor um contender Se este é o ponto de venda, em seguida, ganhar tantos jogos quanto possível com Dragic e Whiteside liderando o caminho deve ser o foco principal Heats. Isso significa que não deveríamos trocar James Johnson ou Dion Waiters. - Doug, Placentia, Califórnia A: Para o seu primeiro ponto, apenas um colapso total dos playoffs pelos Clippers é susceptível de agitar Griffin livre. E mesmo assim, fazer emparelhamento com Whiteside e Dragic (embora na Conferência Leste) faz mais sentido do que ficar ao lado de DeAndre Jordan e Chris Paul Seu segundo ponto é mais convincente. Eu acredito que há algo a ser dito sobre o recrutamento na agência livre de um lugar melhor na classificação, em algum lugar mais perto de .500 do que de uma camada no meio da loteria. Isso é onde este impulso poderia ainda render dividendos para o calor. P: Muitas vezes me pergunto por que Erik Spoelstra só mantém Wayne Ellington em um jogo por alguns minutos em quase todos os jogos. Eles finalmente conseguiram o atirador de 3 pontos que parece ser muito confiável. - Larry, Tamarac. R: Primeiro, antes de seus 15 minutos em Houston no jogo mais recente de Heats, Wayne tinha jogado pelo menos 21 em cada um dos quatro jogos anteriores. Portanto, não é como se houvesse alguma perda de fé. Mas o que tem havido é um backcourt voltando à saúde, com Tyler Johnson e Dion Waiters de volta, e Josh Richardson em breve para retornar. O que Erik Spoelstra mostrou ao longo de seu mandato de treinador é uma preferência por uma profundidade de talentos de seus jogadores, ao invés de confiar em especialistas de 3 pontos. Essa é uma das razões pelas quais James Jones foi limitado em seus minutos de Heat, e poderia acabar levando ao mesmo destino eventual para Ellington, a menos que o backcourt Heat é diluído no prazo de negociação. Caso contrário, Goran Dragic, Waiters, Johnson e Richardson também figuram a receber minutos mais significativos em frente do que Ellington. Como MC pode estar no Hall da Fama de Basquete sem T - Nicky. R: A referência, para os não iniciados, é a combinação de TMC dos Warriors Run de meados dos anos 90 de Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin e Tim Hardaway, com Richmond e Mullin ambos já no Hall, com Hardaway mais uma vez finalista para indução. É interessante como, ao longo dos anos, as equipes foram introduzidas no Hall, com Run TMC transformacional em seu próprio direito, tipo de uma extensão de três homens do Showtime Lakers. Baseado em Hardaway avançar com os Warriors e Heat, parece que deve ser o seu tempo. E tenho certeza de que nessas semanas estarão ouvindo tanto de Richmond e Mullin. Q: Ira, Josh Richardson deve estar de volta logo após o intervalo All-Star. Não alguém tem que ser dispensado ou negociado em breve Onde estou indo errado - Gabriel, Miami. R: Esse movimento efetivamente foi feito, com a expiração de sexta-feira do contrato de 10 dias de Marcus Georges-Hunts. Isso tem a lista de calor de volta no limite da NBA de 15, já não com uma exceção roster adicionado para os jogadores lesionados. Lá, eventualmente, um outro local roster apagado uma vez Bosh é dispensada. Além disso, como mencionado acima, a lista também poderia potencialmente ser diluído às quintas-feiras prazo de negociação NBA. Q: Sabendo que as picaretas do esboço não trabalham sempre para fora (isto é Michael Beasley) e vendo nenhuns agentes livres disponíveis esta estação offseason que eu pensasse faria nos o competidor com Cleveland e Estado dourado (desculpas ao Blake Griffin frequentemente ferido), onde você pensa Pat Rileys mentalidade é agora no que diz respeito à reconstrução rápida eu sei que ele está sempre à procura de um quotwhale, mas o único jogador que vejo como sendo potencialmente disponível que pode fazer a diferença é Jimmy Butler de Chicago. Ele é um All-Star, um jogador de Miami HeatPat Riley com um contrato razoável, e alguém que eu acho que se encaixa em uma equipe que está competindo por um campeonato. Quais são seus pensamentos - Robert, Miami. A: Algumas coisas que eu gostaria de tocar aqui: Primeiro, eu acho que qualquer executivo da NBA com uma equipe na parte inferior da classificação está sendo míope, pelo menos quando se trata de verdadeira disputa de campeonato. É preciso tempo para construir uma equipe de backup. Simplesmente. Eu entendo que Pat Riley criou essa aura onde ele tem que pensar grande, mas a excelência sustentável vem com crescimento sustentável. Isso significa permitir que os jovens jogadores para encontrar o seu caminho, novos jogadores para se adaptar à cultura. Em segundo lugar, e eu sei que tem havido muita especulação de Jimmy Butler: O que poderia o calor possivelmente ter que convencer os touros para mover Butler Para aterrar uma estrela, você tem que lidar com uma estrela. Sim, o calor negociado volume para Shaquille ONeal, mas Im não tenho certeza que o atual Heat tem nada comparável ao pacote enviado para L. A. para Shaq que incluiu Lamar Odom, Caron Butler e Brian Grant. Quais seriam as peças equivalentes a partir desta temporada Heat: Winslow, Tyler Johnson e Goran Dragic ou Hassan Whiteside Desculpe, mas loteria ou loteria, não há soluções rápidas, mesmo para um fixador rápido. Q: Olá, Ira. Por que o Heat desistiu de tantos draft picks quando assinou LeBron James e Chris Bosh como agentes livres que eu sei que tem sido algum tempo desde 2010, mas aqueles draft picks couldve sido útil. - David, Orlando. R: Primeiro, o dept foi pago na íntegra, então esses picaretas já não estariam em jogo. Mas é exatamente o mesmo motivo pelo qual o Heat desistiu de duas possíveis seleções de loteria para Goran Dragic - aproveitar o momento. E o Heat teve seus momentos com James e Bosh, e acabou mantendo Bosh para o longo prazo. Será interessante para a frente, com picaretas da primeira rodada se tornando ainda mais valioso, se Riley (ou seu sucessor) vai mudar a abordagem. Mas novamente, como na pergunta acima, quando você escolhe viver no momento, às vezes significa hipotecar o futuro. E, eventualmente, o futuro chega, e as contas têm que ser pagas. Q: Será que o calor nunca comércio ou libertação Josh McRoberts Se assim for, quando e como em breve - Alex, Ogden, Utah. R: Não, desde que ele tenha essa opção de 6 milhões de jogadores para 2017-18. Se o Heat for incapaz de trocá-lo, e se eles precisam de espaço extra, o resultado mais provável seria dispensar McRoberts na temporada baixa e quotstretchingquot o saldo de seu contrato para aliviar o salário-cap 2017-18 hit. Q: Seguro para seguro que Pat Rileys substituição está no edifício - Chris. Q: É Shane Battier fast-tracking para se tornar um treinador um dia - Mark. Eu amo que Riley seja leal a seus ex-jogadores. - Olivia. R: A contratação de Heats de Battier em um papel analítico é mais provável o primeiro passo em direção a uma troika de front-office pós-Riley governante de Shane Battier, Andy Elisburg e Nick Arison. Isso proporcionaria ao Heat a percepção do jogador de Battier, a perspicácia do negócio de basquete de Elisburg e a direção financeira de Nick Arison. Com base na abordagem de Shanes para o jogo, ele parecia muito mais interessado em suar a análise do que trabalhar um suor no tribunal de prática como um Juwan Howard ou Chris Quinn. A relação que Battier teve com a família Arison data de seus laços com o Duque, e quase parecia inevitável que sempre que a influência de Riley recuasse, a influência do Duque aumentaria, embora não com Mike Krzyzewski, como alguns postularam inicialmente. E ainda, para aqueles que vêem isso como o começo de um jogo final com Riley, eu não tenho tanta certeza de que ele nunca iria querer afastar-se completamente do jogo. Mas eu podia ver Pat se movendo em mais de um papel de tipo Jerry West, lá para recrutar quando necessário, mas não ter que lidar com o trabalho cotidiano do front office. E ele também ganhou. P: Você acha que a razão pela qual o Heat assinou Marcus Georges-Hunt é que eles vão tentar mover Josh Richardson no prazo de negociação da NBA - Trevon. Q: Enquanto eu wouldnt descartar qualquer coisa e ninguém quando se trata de potenciais movimentos de calor, o movimento com Georges-Hunt é mais em consonância com o calor proporcionando-se tanto conhecimento institucional de tantas perspectivas quanto possível. Enquanto Georges-Hunt nunca entrou em um jogo com o calor durante seu contrato de 10 dias, ainda havia tempo suficiente no ginásio para avaliar o conjunto de habilidades ea personalidade para referência futura. Muitas vezes leva um jogador várias mordidas no exemplo de calor antes de um avanço, com Rodney McGruder o exemplo perfeito. Se é com o calor, Celtics, D-League ou em outro lugar, você pode ter certeza que Marcus permanecerá no radar de calor. Q: Então, quando o Heat renunciar a Chris Bosh em 1 de março ou depois disso, eles terão seu salário fora dos livros naquele momento para ser capaz de assinar outros jogadores renunciados com um salário mais alto do que talvez outros clubes podem - Martin. R: Sim, eles vão, o que poderia ser uma reviravolta intrigante para talvez sentar-se fora do prazo de negociação e espera para fora quais os jogadores podem ser dispensados. Naturalmente, porque esta situação é tão original, não há um cronograma definitivo de quando esse potencial cap espaço poderia vir livre. Lembre-se, a regra é que um jogador é playoff elegíveis, enquanto ele é renunciado por sua equipe em 1 de março (jogadores que não estavam na NBA nesta temporada pode ser assinado a qualquer momento antes do final da temporada regular para playoff elegíveis, Como jogadores que jogaram no exterior). Assim, sim, pode haver alguns jogadores negociados no prazo de 23 de fevereiro de negociação em movimentos relacionados com a tampa, que então libertar livre até 1 de março. E, renunciando Bosh nesse período, o calor, portanto, seria abrir um local roster. P: Josh Richardson e Justise Winslow devem ser os únicos jogadores do Heat a serem seguros no prazo de negociação (com exceção de se houver uma estrela envolvida). Todo mundo deve estar na mesa. - Chris. R: Houve um ponto em que eu concordei com isso, e, até certo ponto, um pouco ainda fazer. Com este tipo de registro, mesmo com as quartas impressionantes esforço em Houston, você tem que estar aberto a tudo e qualquer coisa. Mas, dito isso, eu também acredito que a paisagem mudou com as vitórias que afastaram o calor da imobiliária principal de loteria. Meu pensamento inicial era que a picareta da lotaria quase certamente seria usada em um protetor de ponto, seja Markelle Fultz, bola de Lonzo ou Dennis Smith. No entanto, agora parece que o Heat estará selecionando além do alcance de um desses jogadores. Devido a isso, acredito que Goran Dragic pode ter ancorado-se para o futuro desta franquia, talvez fazendo-se o intocável, ainda mais do que Hassan Whiteside, com base na direção da NBA está indo ofensivamente. (Pergunta: Você, neste momento, mesmo depois do que vimos contra os Rockets, troque Whiteside por DeMarcus Cousins) Quanto a Richardson e Winslow, eu quase acredito que eles são intocáveis, particularmente na esteira do Heat jogando sua melhor bola de A temporada com ambos afastado. P: Você acredita que o Heat ainda tem um tiro sólido nos playoffs - Joel, Tampa. A: Eu não me lembro de ir tão longe quanto tiro quotsolid. Eu, na verdade, acredito que será mais perto de um tossup, com base em um calendário restantes Heat que tem três jogos à esquerda contra os Cavaliers e dois cada um contra os Raptors e Wizards . Eu teria me sentido muito mais confortável se tivesse havido algum jogo restante contra o Nets. Em 25-32, o Heat precisaria ir 13-12 o saldo da temporada para fechar em 38-44, que aparece a linha de corte mínimo para os playoffs no Oriente. Mas mesmo assim, com tantos times empacotados na briga contendor, tiebreakers iria entrar em jogo, e as perdas para os Pistons, Bucks, Bulls e Hornets poderia prejudicar. Então eu acho que o corte seguro poderia estar mais perto de 41-41, o que exigiria 16-9. E isso poderia exigir uma ou duas vitórias contra os Cavaliers ou reforçou Raptors. Q: Com tanto interesse dos fãs em comércios, você deve começar um concurso para: Nome que o comércio. O vencedor que identifica corretamente o comércio real que o Heat faz (se houver) ganha uma camiseta com sua imagem de Iraque do quotAsk sobre ela e autografada por você. As submissões criativas devem ser esmagadoras. - Jack, Fort Myers. R: Primeiro, eu tenho certeza que tal camiseta seria considerada obscena na maioria dos locais públicos. Além disso, você não tem idéia de quantos rumores de comércio, sugestões, relatórios vêm desta forma (mesmo depois de vitórias impressionantes, como quarta-feira à noite). Como com o meu relatório geral, eu tendem a ignorá-los ou ignorá-los todos, porque simplesmente não sei o que as equipes sabem, mas sei que há muitas pessoas lá fora, perto dos jogadores ou equipes, com agendas. Eu acredito na veracidade de muitos dos relatórios quando se trata de interesse de um dos dois lados. Mas é preciso dois para o comércio. Portanto, a preferência aqui permanece para se concentrar no valor potencial de um jogador externo para o Heat, ou o valor que um jogador do Heat pode ter em outro lugar. Q: Ira, are you telling me that the Heat could not do better for Serge Ibaka than Terrence Ross and a first-round pick in the 20s What happened to Trader Pat -- Steve. A: Thats exactly what Im telling you, because Im also not sure that the Heat wanted to do better than that for a player who is an impending free agent and whose chronological age might be a bit more advanced than his listed age. First, the Heat did not have a draft pick to offer, unable to trade their 2017 first-round pick because of the possibility of their 2018 first-round pick being due to the Suns from the Goran Dragic trade. Also, Im not sure if anyone in the Heats secondary class of players (beyond Hassan Whiteside and Dragic) was enticing enough, let alone enough of a salary-cap fit. And it became clear that Justise Winslow was simply too promising to move. Beyond that, Tyler Johnson has the right to block any trade until July. So youre basically then down to Josh Richardson. Was Serge Ibaka enticing to Pat Riley Certainly, for basketball and for cap reasons. But it comes down what youre comfortably willing to offer in return. Q: Ira, I was at the game and saw Hassan Whitesides teammates yelling at him over his lack of effort. His motor is non-existent and he sticks out like a sore thumb on the floor with Rodney McGruder and Tyler Johnson and James Johnson. Now that he has a guaranteed four-year contract how do the Heat extract the effort from Hassan -- Jeffrey, Fort Lauderdale. A: First, whether you want to accept it or not, quotmotorquot is like any other skill, be it 3-point shooting, shot-blocking or ballhandling. Some players have it, some players dont. The Heat have mostly been blessed, and searched for players with such aggression. That is not who Hassan Whiteside has been during his time with the team before he signed his four-year, 98 million deal, and likely wont be on a game-by-game basis now that he is financially secure. I dont think the contract has anything to do with it. What will have a lot to do with it going forward is the ability of the Heat coaching staff to keep Hassan as engaged for as long and as often as possible. Remember, a year ago he was being played off the bench in favor of Amare Stoudemire, in what sure seemed like a teaching moment. The Heat know exactly what they have in Hassan. The ongoing issue is what they choose to and can make of him, because he certainly has his own set of unique and rare NBA skills. Q: Do you think that the Heat will bounce back from this current two-game slide With a tough game at the hands of Houston on Wednesday and then eight days off we could potentially be heading into All-Star week with a three-game losing streak. -- Kyle. A: Playing the Rockets in Houston, after beating the Rockets at AmericanAirlines Arena makes this, in my book, as much of a challenge as anything the Heat faced during their 13-game winning streak. So, yes, the Heat could emerge from the All-Star break nine games under .500. The question then becomes whether Pat Riley comes to view this as a team likely to not be good enough to muster a .500 final record, or as a team still on the cusp of a playoff spot. And that can be dangerous, very dangerous, assessing your team in terms of the failures of others. Thats what made the losses to the 76ers and Magic so disheartening. They changed the reality of what could be and now what likely will be. Is 38-44 and playoffs actually meaningful if it comes down to that Q: Ira, was Dwyane Wades interview with the Vertical basically an, quotI was wrong for leavingquot admission -- Rob, Lake Worth. A: That has been the sentiment from the moment he parted with Pat Riley and the Heat in July. Again, as expressed before in this space, had Wade and Riley given the process another 48 or 72 hours, I think both would have recognized the need to persevere with the partnership. But Im still not sure how Dwyane could possibly get back to South Florida next season, no matter what the Bulls do with their roster. As with last summer, the Heats salary-cap resources have to be utilized in a forward-thinking matter. With Tyler Johnsons salary to increase exponentially for 2018-19, this summer has to be the Heats summer of destiny for years to come. The entire purpose of the Heats approach with Wade last summer was to protect cap flexibility for this summer. This is not the point that nostalgia can get in the way. And if you listened close to the podcast, Wade also expressed how his children had acclimated to being back around family in Chicago. So this could transcend both money and basketball. Q: Is Serge Ibaka worth our 20-year-old -- A. F. A: Its interesting the more people I floated that notion toward before Mondays game, the more that glanced back as if I was out of my mind. And thats the thing, Justise Winslow is still 20 and has still only had one true season of NBA experience. Thats a lot to give up on at this stage for a player who is not a game-changer. Im not sure Justise will be a game changer, either, but there still is enough low-cost time to find out. Q: Why does Luke Babbitt play -- Andy. A: Um, because of the threat of 3-point spacing Or perhaps because why break up a good thing during the winning streak Or maybe because there simply is not another legitimate option that still allows James Johnson to thrive in his sixth-man role off the bench. So the greater question is: If not Babbitt, then who Justise Winslow and Josh McRoberts are out. Derrick Williams has been traded. And Willie Reed is not a complement to Hassan Whiteside. So youre essentially asking if it would be better to start Okaro White. Does that significantly change the equation Q: A Josh McRoberts and Winslow trade for Serge Ibaka works money wise. -- Taylor, Christiansburg, Va. A: Thats not the reason I downplayed the permutation yesterday. My emphasis was that the Magic gave up Victor Oladipo and the draft rights to No. 11 2016 first-round pick Domantas Sabonis, as well as functional power forward Ersan Ilyasova (an eventual trade chip for the Thunder) in exchange for Ibaka. Therefore, I would find it difficult to fathom that less than a year later the Magic would cash that all in for what essentially only would be Winslow, a player who will miss the balance of this season following shoulder surgery. Now, if you throw in Tyler Johnson or Josh Richardson and the necessary filler, that could at least serve the Magics purposes. Obviously, the most tangible targets for the Magic would be Goran Dragic or Hassan Whiteside, but not only do you run risks with Ibakas expiring contract and impending free agency, but Im not sure an argument could be made that Ibaka would have more value to the Heat than Whiteside or Dragic going forward. (What makes Ibakas 18.4 million cap hold so tempting, is that you could then keep Dragic and Whiteside, re-sign Ibaka at the back end of free agency, and then also have the cap cash to retain James Johnson or even Dion Waiters, if all goes as planned when it comes to reclaiming Chris Boshs cap space.) Q: I think the team is set at point guard with Goran Dragic, with Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson as backups. -- Gerard, Paraguay. A: If youve read my postgame blogs, you can probably tell that I disagree. While I can appreciate Johnson as a combo guard, Im still not sold on him as a primary ballhandler. Opponents routinely challenge his ballhandling and the Heat offense tends to bog down until a secondary playmaker takes over the possession, be it James Johnson or Dion Waiters. In fact, Im not sure if the Heat arent somewhat retarding Tyler Johnsons growth when they play him as the primary ballhander. It was, of course, easier when Justise Winslow or Josh McRoberts were also available to facilitate from the frontcourt. But if these recent weeks and recent games have been a trial run, then it should open the Heats eyes to Tyler Johnsons best fit going forward. Q: Ira, is the tank back on -- Y. S.B. Q: At this rate, you wonder how much the Heat will have left in the tank come the end of the season. -- Kirk. A: Or before. It was apparent on Saturday night that the Heat were running on fumes. Saturday night resembled one of those games when you fight back from a sizable deficit only to fall short. By falling 19 games below .500, the Heat left themselves with minimal margin for error. It makes Mondays home game against the Magic all the more important, especially considering how the Heat punted away the teams previous meeting in a double-overtime loss the last time the teams met at AmericanAirlines Arena. The Heat follow that game against the Magic with a Wednesday game in Houston before their eight-day All-Star break. The last thing a team seven games under .500 can afford is a three-game losing streak going into the All-Star break. The Heat winning streak was going to come to an end at some point. The question now is whether the overall success can be sustained. A return to health, including the return of Dion Waiters should help. The Heat certainly could have used Waiters on Saturday night. Of course, they also could have used a far more aggressive Hassan Whiteside. Q: Hi Ira, how about Josh McRoberts and Justise Winslow for Serge Ibaka Does that work cap-wise or Orlando-wise -- Marc, Pembroke Pines. A: No. And I doubt it. First, McRoberts and Winslow are on the books for a combined 8.4 million this season, compared to Ibakas 12.3 million expiring contract. And it would make little sense for the Magic to have to commit to McRoberts 2017-18 player option. Beyond that, I dont see how the Magic could essentially trade Ibaka for Winslow, after giving up so much to the Thunder for the one-year rental of Serge. Beyond that, there is the issue of whether the Heat or any team that trades for Serge would then be able to re-sign him, or also risk losing him for nothing in return in free agency. For the Heat to trade for Ibaka, it basically would close the door on returns for Dion Waiters and James Johnson, essentially forcing the Heat to commit all their cap resources in his direction. Q: Ira, due to the Heats recent success, the Heats first-round draft pick has been devalued. Could they now look to trade the pick for a star with an expiring contract that we have Bird Rights on -- Jeffrey, A: No. Well at least right now. Because the Heats 2018 first-round pick is due to the Suns, the Heat are not allowed to trade their 2017 first-round pick ahead of the draft. However, they are allowed to select a player for another team. But the Heat, like every other team, also recognize the value of draft picks under the impending collective-bargaining agreement. So I believe no matter the draft slot, the Heat likely will attempt to make something out of their 2017 first-round selection. Q:James Johnson absolutely deserves a big contract from Miami in the summer. We should give him 60 million over four years. -- Hector. A: Got to admit, Ive come around to some of that thinking, especially with the limitations the Heat have at forward. I think thats the difference between James Johnson and Dion Waiters. The Heat are loaded at guard, when counting Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson and the team option they hold on Wayne Ellington. But if the Heat arent able to land a franchise forward in free agency, then James Johnson might be worth the type of investment you suggest (which is what I think its going to take). The Heat are not going to find such ready-to-go versatility with a forward in the draft, and were still not such what level Justise Winslow can reach as a two-way player. Question: Is Gordon Hayward worth twice the money Q: Imagine if Tyler Johnson wasnt out of control and turning the ball over -- M. L. A: I dont blame Tyler. Its more a case of the current composition of the roster and the ongoing attempt to convert him into a point guard. To their credit, the Heat, in Dion Waiters absence, have done a quality job of keeping James Johnson on the court alongside Tyler Johnson, to provide a relief playmaker. But even with his build, Tyler Johnson is a shooting guard, with the athleticism of a shooting guard, if not the size. Tyler would be best paired with a taller point guard who then could take the defensive assignments at shooting guard. Its something the Heat have to consider when building their roster going forward. Q:When Miami gets that No. 8 or 7 spot. I dont see how anybody can even think about Trading James Johnson or Dion Waiters. Its working. -- Will. A: Because the bigger, long-term picture is about more than a No. 8 or No. 7 seed. And thats why its important to have a general manager to take care of the long-term view, while the coach can live in the moment. Look, if youre going to live moment-by-moment, then you can make the argument that since the Heat didnt have Waiters these past two games they therefore dont need him. And that would be as shortsighted as saying this is the Heats roster of the future. So enjoy the moment. Allow the players to enjoy the moment. Allow Erik Spoelstra to enjoy the moment. And keep in mind that the spreadsheet of Pat Riley, Andy Elisburg, Adam Simon and the rest of the front office goes beyond the Feb. 23 trading deadline, beyond the end of the season and beyond 2017 free agency. Q: Its interesting to note that the 12-0 run has happened without both Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson, previously (and still) considered two of the keystones of the Heats future. Will their return, even if its next season, as in Justises case, make the team better -- Hanan, Tel Aviv. A: This has been the elephant in the room now for weeks. While Josh has displayed NBA-level 3-point ability, especially during last seasons playoff run, weve yet to see the outside range on the NBA level that Justise offered during Dukes championship run. And you are correct in your allusion to the fact that much of the Heats success during this run has been built on outside shooting, be it Rodney McGruder starting in place of Winslow at small forward, or Wayne Ellington and Dion Waiters getting minutes at shooting guard that might otherwise have gone to Richardson. I believe it is clear that its become shoot-or-die (OK, maybe thats a bit extreme) when it comes to lineups and rotations that work. For Richardson, it means reclaiming what he previously displayed. For Winslow, it means as much time on the Heats practice court as necessary for the team to see whether an NBA-level stroke is attainable or whether there has to be a Plan B regarding his career arc. Q: Ira, its funny how over the past few years LeBron James tries to bring so much Heat culture to Cavs -- Dacota. A: Isnt it. First James Jones and Mike Miller. Then Chris Andersen. Followed by a tryout for Mario Chalmers and now Derrick Williams. It makes you wonder if there is substance to the Dwyane Wade speculation or that if Chris Bosh could turn in LeBrons and Clevelands direction if there is a comeback. LeBron clearly loves him some Heat. He apparently just doesnt love it if it is in Miami or under Pat Rileys control. So now the real question: Does it mean a Dion Waiters free-agency return to Cleveland is next this offseason (Yes, surely I jest). Q: Ira, as well as Dion Waiters is playing, it seems the Heat have to look to trade him. We have three other shooting guards under contract in Tyler Johnson, Rodney McGruder and Josh Richardson. -- Michael. A: (And you left out Wayne Ellington, with the Heat holding his 6 million player option for next season.) I dont think its a matter of quotlooking. quot I believe its more a case of listening. If a first-round pick is offered, even one lottery-protected or for a distant future season, then it has to be considered and, most likely, accepted. Waiters will be a free agent in July, meaning if the Heat want to extend the relationship, they could do it just as easily then after a brief parting. But otherwise there is the risk of losing him for nothing in return. Now, if Waiters agrees to pick up his 3 million option for next season, then the thinking would totally change. But there is no way that Waiters, prior to the trading deadline, is going to make such a commitment (nor should a player who has yet to get his quotcareerquot contract). Q: Everyone is worried about Heat draft picks in June and if we finish in the seventh or eighth seed, it is a wasted year. Is there a better sports story in Miami than the Heat Just let this team play it out and lets see where they end up. That is the beauty of sports, no one knows the outcome. -- Stuart, Miami. A: The concern from those who take the long view -- which I can appreciate -- is whether these weeks of satisfaction are worth the tradeoff of not securing a high lottery pick. The response to that should be Kawhi Leonard, the No. 15 pick in the 2011 draft. So heres the tradeoff: If the Heat want to be good now, then the front office has to be even better when it comes to wherever the Heat wind up selecting in the first round. You can get a quality player beyond the initial lottery picks. Its just that the margin for error is slight. What makes the lottery truthers so prevalent this season is their awareness that the Heats 2018 first-round pick is most likely going to the Suns as the first of two such payments for Goran Dragic. Beyond that, Tyler Johnsons salary-cap hit goes into the stratosphere starting in the 2018 offseason. Thats why there hashad been so much focus on 2018 having to be transformative. And it probably has to be just that. So, basically, Pat Riley, Andy Elisburg, Adam Simon and Chet Kammerer will have to do this summer what their players are doing right now. work some magic. Q: When Hassan Whiteside plays focused, the kid is unstoppable. -- Lue. A: Part of that, though, is what happened Wednesday in Milwaukee, namely his teammates being focused on his possibilities. When it became apparent Hassan could beat the Bucks over the top, his teammates offered a relentless volley of alley-oop passes. Some clicked some didnt. But they allowed Hassan to maximize his matchup. The next step is doing it against higher-tier centers, and dealing with the adversity when every shot isnt going in. Q: Maybe Erik Spoelstra discovered talent on this team that other coaches arent good enough to see. -- Will. A: That certainly is an element. But I think the greatest compliment belongs to the players who embraced the need to get into the best shape of their careers and commit to a team focus. I wrote in December about the Heats dramatic impact on the physiques of James Johnson, Dion Waiters and Wayne Ellington, and now were seeing the payoff of those summer sessions. This all began way before the start of this winning streak. Q: Although fun, this win streak has blinded Heat Nation. We are overreacting to what we are seeing. Wake up. Eleven games is impressive, but look at who weve beaten. The Warriors and Rockets are the only two impressive wins (beating the Hawks isnt impressive). Ira, youre saying Goran is the point guard of the future I love Goran, but he cant be. Hes already 30. Can we pump the brakes on Dion Waiters Im seeing tweets and articles about him becoming a star and potential max guy. Youve got to be kidding me. This is a classic example of quotregression to the meanquot and a byproduct of favorable scheduling. We were not as bad as we started and not as good as were playing now. We are not a contender. Pat Riley would make a huge mistake not to sell off for future assets by All-Star break. Its not what people want to hear but we have to rebuild. Its the cost of having the Big 3 Era and years of being the favorite. -- Erik. A: And none of whats going on, beyond the winning, has to get in the way of never losing sight of the future. The reason Ive pointed out Gorans play and strengths is because if you are well-positioned at a position, it allows you to focus elsewhere. But I would have absolutely no issue if the Heat were able to flip Waiters or James Johnson for a first-round pick at the Feb. 23 NBA trading deadline. You can still enjoy a moment while also preparing for the future. The players are playing to win. The coaches are coaching to win. Thats what they should be doing. But that doesnt mean Pat Riley and his staff also arent planning for bigger and better things down the road. Q: Who do we want in the Finals: Spurs or Warriors -- Drew, Coral Springs. A: Theyve already shown they could compete with the Warriors at Oracle and have beaten Golden State at AmericanAirlines Arena, so I would have to figure on that being the Heats preference when they get to the NBA Finals. Q: I think its time to start Okaro White at the four over Luke Babbitt. Maybe try and trade Babbitt away or waive him and get another young prospect. -- Taylor, Christiansburg, Va. A: Or enjoy the fact that theyre 10-2 with this current starting lineup that has Babbitt opening at power forward alongside Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic, Rodney McGruder and Dion Waiters. Babbitts spacing works with the first group, with James Johnson still getting the significant minutes for the Heat at power forward. And, to be honest, Im not sure there is an area of need at the moment for the Heat to have to clear a roster spot. Q: Ira, to everyone who said the Heat had to trade Goran Dragic really bad words. Why would anyone be surprised he can play like this What first-round pick is going to come and give what hes giving now Enter the Dragon. -- Leif. A: The problem with so much of the Dragic conversation both before this 11-game winning streak and even during this run are all the wrong comparisons. It doesnt matter that this draft offers the likes of Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz and Dennis Smith that becomes a question of how long youre willing to wait. And it doesnt matter that the Heat gave up a pair of potential lottery picks for Goran you cant move forward while concerning yourselves about what already has been done. So step back into a vacuum and ask yourself this, and only this: Would you be content with this Goran Dragic, playing this way, being your point guard going forward next season, the season after that, and possibly beyond Franchises spend years attempting to find their point guard of the future and their center of the future. Could it be that the Heat already have those elements of the equation answered Q: Im really enjoying watching this team come together. Even with some salaries much higher than others, this is really just a bunch of role players figuring it out and playing good basketball. Imagine if Chris Bosh had played this season. I know we wouldnt have seen as much of James Johnson and Willie Reed, but I think we would have had a much better record. -- Tony, Big Sur, Calif. A: First, Im not sure I would group Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside in as quotrole players. quot But, to your greater point regarding Bosh, thats where there remains the need to add another alpha-talent, someone like a Bosh. Of course, had Bosh been able to play, the composition of this roster obviously would be significantly different. And that also is worth remembering if it gets ugly over the Heats parting with Bosh -- he is exactly the type of player they could use, and a player they would love to have had (safely) available. Q: Lets all stop fawning over Briante Weber. When Josh Richardson returns, Weber would have been the sixth guard on the Heat roster. To your point, a specialist like this can carve out a role on a team with Hall of Fame-caliber 3-point shooting, as opposed to a team who cant withstand his offensive liability. -- Rich, West Palm Beach. A: And also dont lose sight of the reality that a 13th man hardly is the concern of a team still looking to move toward a winning record. Just because he has been out of view due to his injuries, Richardson was the better play when both he and Weber were on the roster together. Now, if the Heat lose both Dion Waiters and Wayne Ellington in the offseason, then there could be a need for another guard, and its not as if the Heat havent revisited certain players multiple times. Even Weber made it clear in a follow-up tweet that he meant nothing untoward regarding the Heat when he mentioned how he bypassed a return because the Heat already had, by his count, 17 guards. A: I dont see anything other than the No. 8 seed being available to the Heat from its current position because I believe the Bucks are poised to take a quantum leap with Wednesdays return (ironically against the Heat) by guard Khris Middleton. Middletons scoring should provide Milwaukee with the exact type of relief needed to safely settle into a playoff spot. So what this could come down to would be the Heat chasing Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls for the right to play LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. Q: Is it realistic to think James Johnson and Dion Waiters might recognize that some of their newfound success is due to Heat culture, chemistry, etc. to the degree that they would sacrifice dollars to enable the Heat to retain them and add the pieces necessary for the team to go deep into the playoffs -- David. A: No, that is not realistic, with both players looking for the first true payoff of their careers, especially at a time when the league is oozing free-agency cash. If the Heat cut into their overall stockpile for supporting pieces, they then could again be positioned without enough to support. The only way sacrifice would work is if both would agree to put their salary demands on hold for another year or two, getting at least to early-Bird Rights if not full Bird Rights. And thats not happening. Q: Hi, Ira, Heat fan from Sardinia (Italy) here I love how the Heat are playing right now. I just dont understand why lot of fans (are they real fans) are complaining about the victories. Its a shame. This team is good, we just had too many injuries at the beginning of the season (and still now). I think that this team can be a playoff team and it will be a good thing because it will build confidence in our players and, more importantly, we will attract more free agents. -- Luca, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. A: In defense of the fans, many have been around when the Heat won titles in 2012 and 13, and some even from back in 2006. So I can appreciate where the bar is set, which is considerably higher than just being good enough to make the playoffs. Each of those title teams was bolstered by the highest of lottery picks, be it Dwyane Wade and Shaquille ONeal (and even Alonzo Mourning) in 06, or then Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James in 2012 and 13. And I do understand how being caught in the middle can be one of the most dangerous places in the NBA, falling short of the playoffs with something along the lines of the No. 14 pick. I do believe there will be an organizational decision on the direction going forward by the Feb. 23 NBA trading deadline. Q: I wish Hassan Whiteside played around this level most games -- Galindo. A: So, of course, do the Heat. But you take what you can get, and the Heat were smart enough to recognize what they could get with Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor out Saturday night for the 76ers. Now, if Hassan can back this up against Karl-Anthony Towns on Monday night against the Timberwolves, that would be another step. But just as important Saturday night was teammates recognizing the mismatch and feeding the beast. What Saturday showed was the inside-outside potential of this revised Heat mix, especially with the Heat now loading up on 3-pointers. The ultimate lesson from Saturdays game might be as simple as get Whiteside involved early. Q: I dont know how we have a 10-game winning streak I feel like Im in a bad dream -- Julio. A: You people are relentless. And for your information, Pat Riley was in his usual courtside seat on Saturday night, not at the UCLA-Washington game scouting Lonzo Ball vs. Markelle Fultz. (But with plenty of time to catch it on television, just in case.) Even now, as I wrote in my Sunday column, the playoffs still remain somewhat of an abstract. And if there is a slide back to the Heats previous reality, you can bet the Heat will quickly pull the plug, rather than wind up with something like the No. 14 pick. Q: Briante Weber will be one that got away. -- David. A: Sort of a Patrick Beverley of 2017, eh Thats why it will be interesting to see how the Heat, and other teams, approach the concept of the two-way player starting next season with the new collective-bargaining agreement, knowing they can both develop a prospect and retain their rights. The Heat almost assuredly would have utilized the approach this season with Weber and Okaro White. But with the Heat putting such a emphasis on development, Briante likely wont be the last one to get away. The Heat also helped develop Ian Clark, and he now is a teammate of Webers with the Warriors. And even Willie Reed got away from the Heat during 2015 summer league before he was added last summer. The bottom line is that Weber is far better suited to setting up 3-pointers with the Warriors than having to take them with the Heat. And, still, it doesnt mean he doesnt come free yet again, as he did for the Heat to re-sign him after his 10-day tour last season with the Grizzlies. Q: Ira, I wouldnt take the chance on a long-term deal for James Johnson. In fact, I dangle him now to a contender and get some picks. One good year (at his age) doesnt guarantee a similar performance next year, and I think you and Pat Riley would agree. With the state of this team and the free agents in play, I wouldnt risk it, even if he has an amazing year next year. Give me Paul Millsap, Serge Ibaka, Gordon Hayward or keep the money for 2018. -- Gabriel. A: Truth be told, I was going to write my Sunday column weighing in on that subject, about whether to sell high on both James Johnson and Dion Waiters by the Feb. 23 NBA trading deadline. And then I spoke to an NBA scout who told me, in his view, that there is no way the Heat could get a first-round pick, either for this June or even protected into the future, for either Waiters or Johnson. I have to admit that surprised me. He said second-round picks were possible. Im not sure I would rip apart an element of Heat Family merely for a second-round pick or picks. Q: If the playoffs started today, and the Heat were in, I dont think there is a team in the league that would feel comfortable playing them. If the Heat maintain their current level of play its essentially a given that we make the playoffs. Given the fact that nobody in the East looks dominant right now, how far do you think this team can go Regardless of the end result, I really like this team. -- Brian, Mount Vernon, Wash. A: Nothing, when you are 10 games below .500. even when on a nine-game winning streak, is a given. And if the first-round opponent is the Cleveland Cavaliers, getting a single game would be the ultimate challenge. If the Heat can get to No. 7 in the East, the playoffs could provide some kicks and giggles. But thats also about this. The playoffs are about singular stars stepping forward. This is a team still in search of that component. Q: This team is surprising me in ways I never hoped. We still arent there yet, but this team is clicking at a time when giving up is an easy way out. -- John, Rhode Island. A: The period between Jan. 1 and the All-Star break tends to be the dog days of the NBA season. So, yes, to be playing spirited ball at this time of year is commendable. But it also means getting opponents pushing through dog days of their own, especially playoff contenders who still see a distant finish line. That will make the three games against the Cavaliers after the deadline particularly interesting, and perhaps leaving the Heat longing for having gotten them before that. Q: Its not yet the All-Star break, but for my money there is no way James Johnson loses the Most Improved Player award, even if the Heat lose every game going forward. What he has done is outstanding. To think, I always just thought of him as the guy with the headband. -- Patrick, Hollywood. A: Considering the season that Gianni Antetokounmpo is having, and, for that matter, teammate Jabari Parker, that might be a stretch, unless Milwaukee continues to go into the tank. Then there is Isaiah Thomas, who has gone from All-Star to something closer, believe it or not, to superstar. And there also are the candidacies of Harrison Barnes, Nikola Jokic, Myles Turner and even Zach LaVine. But merely the fact that James Johnson has gotten himself into the conversation speaks volumes, and likely will add volumes to his asking price in free agency. Should the Heat continue to push up in the standings, Johnson might not only find himself in the conversation for Most Improved Player, but possibly for the Sixth Man Award, as well. Q: Do you think this is a good analysis: The reason for the Miami Heats win streak is because the players have become comfortable with Erik Spoelstras system, plays, defense, which Spoelstra is able to implement better because he doesnt have superstars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Instead, Spoelstra has a bunch of talented non-stars who have to listen, who are open to learn and implement his system, his philosophy, the Miami Heat culture - Vip, Manila, Philippines. A: If youre asking whether Erik gets the most out of his players, then I would agree, as was the case when Stan Van Gundy took over from Pat Riley. And yet Im sure Erik also would be the first to agree that you win in this league with stars. There was no need to develop with James and Bosh, but even then, both became better during their tenures with the Heat. So I think what youre seeing is the continuation of the Heats developmental culture. And yet, all of that said, I am sure they would trade in this mix in a heartbeat for something with more star potential. Q: I know Feb 23 is coming up, but if theres no movement from the Heat we are dead. Mediocre for years. -- Marcus, Washington, D. C. A: I dont know if I would get than funereal, but that also is why the Heat very much could turn around and trade some of these latest contributors at the NBA trading deadline. This team needs to restock with draft picks. Last season, the Heat took a forward-thinking approach when it came to the luxury tax. This season, the long view could be restocking a barren plate of draft picks. Q: When do you think the Heat will bring up Briante Weber before a team snatches him up -- Victor. A: That likely will come down to how much longer Josh Richardson is out. If Richardson remains sidelined, then the Heat could utilize that absence for another roster exception once Okaro White is taken care of with the anticipated waiving of Derrick Williams, as soon as this weekend. But if Richardson returns, then there not only would not be a roster spot for Weber (with White taking Williams roster spot), but also not likely room in a backcourt rotation that includes Richardson, Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington. And thats why Im not sure if Weber doesnt ultimately wind up elsewhere, still available to be signed by any NBA team. Now, if the Heat were to thin their backcourt at the Feb. 23 trading deadline, that would be another story. But, at the moment, there neither is room at the inn on the roster or in the Heats backcourt. Q: Pat Riley is falling for the leagues plan to keep the Heat mediocre. -- Shad. A: The timeline and inbox continued to be loaded with these. Again, if the Heat didnt start so poorly, this never would have been about the lottery and tanking. So just because it started that way and is playing out this way, its as if the Heat are blowing something. Face it, if someone told you 50 games into the season that the Heat would be 20-30, there would be anger at the poor performance. Its as much about how this has played out as the record itself. And there still are three weeks left before the playoffs. Q: Im just in awe by this Heat team. James Johnson and Dion Waiters have to be re-signed -- Didier. A: And this is why you need executives capable of operating in a bubble beyond the standings. Because this also has to be about more than the moment. With everything that has transpired to this point, it still behooves the Heat to investigate what packages of draft picks could possibly be mined for Waiters and Johnson by the Feb. 23 NBA trading deadline. Because as much as there is an enjoyable moment transpiring, there also is a future that any respectable NBA executive also has to consider. Q: Do you think Justise Winslow will develop into more than James Johnson is right now If not, maybe the Heat should consider signing Johnson to a long-term contract and using Winslow as a trade chip. Im not advocating that the Heat give up on Winslow -- despite his youth, he is already mature and contributes in a lot of ways. However, there is probably a trade market for him, and, as you have already pointed out, the Heat cant re-sign everyone on this team. Maybe Johnson is the long-term answer and not just a rental player. Alternatively, do you think the Heat can eventually play Winslow and Johnson at the same time -- David. A: If Johnson continues to shoot 3-pointers as he has to this point, then I think there would be enough shooting on the court when Johnson and Winslow play together. But keep in mind that Winslow remains on the rookie scale for another two seasons, at a price point likely to be less than one-third of what Johnson could secure on the free-agent market. So in a salary-cap world, you have to calculate the value-per-dollar when it comes to cap resources. The greater question is whether Johnson, who has been utilized in a reserve role, could thrive as a starting power forward, which is a position of need for the Heat. Johnson likely will earn starters money in free agency. So is he a starter As it is, the Heat soon will be playing Tyler Johnson starters money quite likely to play off the bench. Q: I trust all doubts and trade talk about Goran Dragic have been shelved. His value to this team is immense. -- Ernie, Aventura. A: Look, any team has an obligation to explore any and all possibilities when it comes to upgrading the roster, especially a roster that remains somewhat flawed. So many times it goes beyond the productivity of a player, but rather to how a team can best address the totality of roster composition. And if the Heat should wind up with one of the elite point guards in this years draft, then there certainly would be areas of greater need than having a pair of high-level starting-quality point guards. Until a team reaches championship level with its starting five, anything and everything has to be in play. Including Goran Dragic. Including Hassan Whiteside. Because even when healthy, the upside of this roster probably tops out somewhere near .500, anyway. Q: I dont know about anyone else, but Im having a ball watching the Heat play like their culture is set, instead of just tanking. -- Richard. A: I think a lot of this tanking vs. not-taking debate has been a factor of how the Heat have built their current record. If the start had not been as poor, if all those home losses had not piled up, then, like many of the expectations after an encouraging preseason, there probably would not have been tank talk in the first place. Instead, there would have been daily tracking of playoff position, as there was when the Heat pulled within 4 12 games of the Easts final playoff spot after Mondays victory over the Nets. When youre not among the five or six worst teams in the league, you generally do not think in terms of lottery seeding. You just go out and play your season. And this certainly could turn again, with six of the next seven on the road after this four-game homestand concludes Saturday against the 76ers. So there still could be ample time for the tank talkers to get back to their favorite subject. I believe a lot of the answers, when it comes to direction, will be offered at the Feb. 23 NBA trading deadline. I doubt the Heat will be buyers. But will they be sellers Q: Ira, have you seen anything in both Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardsons games that say they will be better than Dion Waiters All three are in their mid 20s. I think the combo of Goran Dragic and Waiters is much better than what Johnson and Richardson have to offer. -- Rodney, Sarasota. A: I. Dont. Know. The sample size is still too small with Dion, and to a degree with Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson, as well, with their injuries. The thing is, until these past few weeks, I would have quickly dismissed such a notion. But the question remains about the roles were are talking about. If youre looking for a volume scorer, then, yes, Dion has shown more of an ability during his career. But if youre looking for defense or floor spacing, then the conversation might tilt the other way. With Josh Richardson under contract at a minimal salary for next season, he still remain a value player, more of a value player than when Waiters returns to free agency in July. Where it gets interesting is here, in two parts: 1. Is it possible to put together a contract for Waiters going forward that is more economical than what remains on the final three years of Tyler Johnsons deal 2. And, if so, is there is team that would be willing to take on the final three seasons on Tylers contract (quotHello, Nets, about that interest you had in Tyler last summer. quot) Q: Development or no development, Dion Waiters is a big-time NBA talent. I come to the AAA to watch talent. -- Stuart. A: And an unrestricted free agent in July, with the Heat holding no Bird Rights. And that 10 million estimate for his 2017-18 salary probably way lower than how it will play out, no matter where he signs. Q: So what happens with Okaro White Someone has to go, right, since Josh Richardson is coming back -- Will. A: First, there will be no rush back for Josh Richardson, so this could last all the way to the Feb. 23 trading deadline. But heres one thought: Waive both Derrick Williams and Udonis Haslem (calm down, Ill explain). With so many teams under the salary floor, both could be claimed and then immediately waived, with their full 2016-17 salary figures counting against the new teams cap but only their remaining salary to be paid. Then, after Team X signs and cuts Haslem, re-sign him to Justise Winslows 1.3 million injured-player exception to give him a nice bonus for services rendered. That not only would open a roster spot, provide a cash bonus for Haslem, but also get the Heat under the cap so a three-year contract can be offered to White. But it has to be done soon, like right away. Q: Given the current win streak, which really came about because the core developmental players were injured, doesnt Heat management have to give strong consideration to keeping the likes of Dion Waiters, James Johnson and Wayne Ellington Waiters has been developing nicely and he is only 25 years old. There is plenty of upside left. He and Goran Dragic are playing so well together. With their inside-outside games they really do stretch the floor. James Johnson and Wayne Ellington are 29, but there is definitely mileage left there. Given the way that these three, plus Willie Reed, have delivered, there must be a way to keep these guys at least for another year or two while the developmental youth matures. -- Michael, North Miami A: First, even with the reclaimed salary-cap space from Chris Bosh, Im not sure the Heat would have enough cap space to even keep what they have in place, if they also keep their current featured players. Next seasons salary cap is expected to fall into the 103 million range. So start with Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson thats 55 million. Then factor in the options with Josh McRoberts (a player option) and Wayne Ellington (essentially a team option) thats another 12 million. So that gets you up to 67 million. Then there are the salaries of Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder, and I would suspect Okaro White thats another 6 million. So that gets you to 73 million. So if you put James Johnson and Dion Waiters each in the 10 million range in this crazy NBA economy, youre up to 93 million. And, face it, Willie Reed is moving closer to a mid-level salary, which would be about 8 million. So, right there, youre just about at the cap. Without adding a single free agent. Thats why youre going to have to pick and choose, and possibly shed some salary, if that is even possible. Q: Is this seasons priority the draft or the playoffs If they push for the playoffs, that leaves their spot in the draft in a less-than-ideal place if theyre aiming for any of the top-tier prospects. If the focus is the draft, then theyre not doing themselves any favors by keeping together a team that apparently can win games. -- Brian, Mountain View, Calif. A: Heres what happened this season: The Heat piled up so many losses so early that all the outside focus turned to the draft, began to froth at the possibility of the likes of Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, Dennis Smith or Josh Jackson. But inside the organization, there always was a measured approach, about both the season and the draft. There is enough institutional awareness to know that you dont know until you know. So you try to maximize what you have on your roster, and you make sure you scout all levels of the draft, from early lottery, to mid-lottery to players in the teens and beyond. And then, when you know where you stand, you make the decisions. The Heat arent drafting this week, this month or any time before June. And until Feb. 23, at the NBA trading deadline, there still is time to recalibrate the roster. So you let the games dictate. The Heat arent losing out on top picks, because in their view they never had a top pick (or any other pre-determined pick). Q: Pat Riley said he wants to get two first-round picks for the 2017 draft, which means youve got to tank for one and trade for the other. -- Aura. A: Or you get one at No. 12 or No. 14 or No. 16, and then you trade for or buy one at the end of the first round. Voila, two first-round picks. Q: How can you explain this win streak Have the Heat finally turned it around -- Doug. A: Part of it, which has been by necessity, has been taking their foot off the developmental portion of the agenda, with both Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson sidelined. With those two out, it has been easier to ride the veteran savvy of Dion Waiters and Wayne Ellington, without any sense of robbing the prospects of their developmental minutes. It is safe to say that had Richardson and Johnson been playing, Ellingtons minutes might have been erased, not there to deliver the daggers against the Nets, Bulls and Pistons. And with Tyler Johnson having led the league in fourth-quarter minutes for most of the season, who knows if Waiters even would have been on the court at the finish against the Warriors and Nets Similarly, it is easier to go with James Johnson for whatever timeframe is needed, such as Saturdays 32 minutes, when Justise Winslow is not getting required minutes. That has been the balance all season. Waiters, Ellington and James Johnson all can bolt in the offseason (the Heat have to decide on Ellingtons non-guaranteed 2017-18 salary at the start of the offseason). It all has put the Heat more in the moment than at other stages of the season. Q: What do we make of the emergence of Willie Reed this season I mean, is he starter worthy And, if so, does that make Hassan Whiteside dispensable in a trade -- Matthews, Weston. A: A lot of this, as also was the case with Whiteside, is a matter of right player in the right system at the right time. Can Willie Reed be an NBA starter Yes, with the right team that has the proper expectations. Willie holds a player option at the minimum for the 2017-18 season that Im sure he can exceed on the open market. So the question for the Heat becomes how much the Heat would be willing to pay to continue the relationship. Q: Hi, Ira. What do you make of Dion Waiters Is it Linsanity Part 2 or is he finally maturing Remember Lin was a superstar for two weeks then regressed to the norm. -- Daniel, Sydney, Australia. A: Again, it is a player finding his special place, a place that might not necessarily exist going forward, based on the health of Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson. But, remember, Dion was drafted with this type of potential in mind. So there were many who anticipated not only this type of surge, but perhaps something that could be sustained, as well. And, truth be told, Dion has had similar clusters of game previously. But you also have to appreciate the patience the Heat have had, including nights such as Saturday, when he was 1 of 9 on 3-pointers. The difference is Dion also had a game-high seven assists, showing he can be more than just a scoring specialist on this roster. Q: What are the rules on long-term options for Okaro White should Heat decide to -- C. K. A: The Heat likely will move ahead with a contract with White similar to their agreement with Rodney McGruder, something along the lines of a three-year deal (which will safely get them to Bird Rights), with the required guarantee for this season, a partial guarantee for next season and then a third year that becomes vested if White is with the team prior to that season. The Heat have had success with these types of cap-friendly deals for the prospects theyve developed. Josh Richardson, in fact, is in the midst of a three-year deal at the minimum. Q: I assume that this next 10-day contract for Okaro White is just the Heat needing 10 days to see who to let go. -- Jordan. A: No, its because thats the way of doing business in this situation. It could be that the Heat simply keep Josh Richardson inactive until the Feb. 23 trading deadline, so they can keep Derrick Williams contract in case his 4.6 million is needed to facilitate a trade. The Heat cannot release Josh McRoberts because then his 6 million salary would automatically vest onto next seasons contract. Of course, another injury could quotcrop upquot that would allow the Heat to retain a 16th player, and its not as if Udonis Haslem hasnt dealt with his share of tendinitis over the years. Much of what will transpire for the Heat over the next three weeks will involve keeping as many options as possible in play at the trading deadline. I also dont believe the Heat would in any way dare risk their cap space going forward by waiving Chris Bosh earlier than needed. Q: The Heat will regret not being in better position come draft time. This is chess not checkers. The goal is to win it all. -- Y. S.B . Q: Is it Or is the goal to present compelling competition Last season, when the Heat stood within one victory of the conference finals, it sure felt that the Heat were within reach of a goal at the time. Only one team wins a championship, which means that the average team would win a championship once every 30 years. So if its title or bust, then there will be a lot of misery for a lot of years. Having a team that can compete every night and in the playoffs is not a bad place to be. Winning is fun. These past six games have been fun. Getting into the playoffs would be fun. And, either way, the Heat will have the resources to be better, if only because of the Chris Bosh salary cap. It is OK to smile without a championship. And it is OK to smile when your team has won six in a row. Winning is good. Q: What makes you think Pat Riley will have any different result in free agency than what happened with Kevin Durant He cant lose what he has now, and then will have enough money in case Dwyane Wade wants to return. -- Arnold. A: I agree that if the plan is to go all-in for another top-tier free agent, then it could be another offseason of middling results, with players again to be off the market by the time the Riley gets his quotwhalequot resolution. But lately Ive been getting plenty of feedback on not only retaining Dion Waiters, but also bringing back Dwyane Wade (should Wade opt out of the second season on his Heat contract). The problem with that thinking is there simply are not enough minutes to go around when also factoring in Goran Dragic, Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson. In fact, if Johnson wasnt sidelined with his shoulder injury, it is doubtful Waiters would have been given such an extensive showcase over the past week. There also is another factor in perhaps deferring the spending of the salary-cap space expected to be recouped through Chris Boshs release: Johnsons salary will have the Heat hard up against the cap in the 2018 and 19 offseasons. That makes this offseason either a summer of dramatics for the Heat, or an acceptance of making what currently is on the roster (with perhaps some minor alterations) work over the long run. So the question then becomes: How far can a team go with a lottery pick, Dragic, Waiters, Hassan Whiteside, James Johnson, Tyler Johnson and the other young players on the current roster Q: I get the flash-in-the-pan skepticism about Dion Waiters, and you can throw in Goran Dragic, Luke Babbitt, James Johnson and Wayne Ellingtons recent successes. But I also recall Birdman and the Heats success with reclamation projects like him. Could it be the teaching reputation of the Heat staff is beginning to sink in If we see more successes from our quotone-year rentalsquot it might be too soon to trade them with the trade deadline only weeks away. I say let this season play out and see if the recent growth of our veterans along with their professed desire to stay (quotwe found a homequot) comments might yield a long-term value. What say you -- Jack, Fort Myers. A: I say I also recall a similar atmosphere last season with Joe Johnson, with the Heat and Johnson talking about extending the commitment. And then, at the start of free agency, Johnson was gone. The difference with Johnson is the Heat had no option to turn Johnson into something tangible. That is something the Heat will be able to do at the trading deadline, replenish the type of future draft choices that have been dealt away. So, as with the response above, it comes down to whether you are willing to move forward with mostly the same group. Because the Heats free agents will want to get paid, because thats what free agents do. And in this salary-cap economy, players will be paid this summer. Now, if the Heat had held team options with Waiters, Ellington or James Johnson, it would be a different story. Q: If Chris Bosh is waived before February 23, his salary comes off the cap at that moment, right The Heat can then take in trades without having to match salary. -- Martin. A: There still will be several administrative matters to deal with once the Heat waive Bosh, including needed confirmation from an independent doctor that Chris ailment is career-ending. Such timing also could then backfire in free agency under the longshot chance that Bosh finds a team willing to play him for 25 total games over the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. While the Heat are making a move from their season-long spot near the league basement, there still will be some sort of losing record at the Feb. 23 NBA trading deadline, so it is doubtful they would jump in and make a move with salary-cap space. More than likely, a vacated Bosh roster spot would allow the Heat to add another developmental player, possibly Briante Weber or Keith Benson from their D-League affiliate. Q: So who is going to get waived when Miami loses its roster exception Because there is no way it will be Okaro White. -- Mac, Toronto. A: You raise a really interesting point, because not only cant the Heat afford to expose White to other teams, they have to now step forward and sign him to a contract that also keeps him out of free agency this summer. I dont think its enough to make the Heat move with haste with Chris Bosh (although thats a possibility), but I can assure you that White has made himself a keeper, very much as a man of the moment. So when Richardson returns it could possibly be the end of the Derrick Williams era. Otherwise, I cant see them parting with Udonis Haslem or eating the option year with Josh McRoberts. Okaro White has created a problem for the Heat. A good problem. Q: Ira, are you ready to get on the Dion Waiters bandwagon with me Ira, you cant say that youre not impressed. -- Will. A: Yes I am, and no I cant. But that never was the crux of my perspective. Instead, the Heat have to break out their actuarial charts and determine what Waiters market price will be in free agency this offseason. And then they have to decide what their other options will be with that cap space. And they have to decide that by the NBAs Feb. 23 trading deadline, or otherwise could see Waiters walk for nothing in return. I like Dion and I like his attitude. But he is a high-volume shooter and a high-volume ballhandler. So how does that fit going forward, when Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson are available Thats something that also needs to be considered. But for the moment, Im like everyone else, savoring this life in Wait County. Q: Hassan Whiteside needs to stop trying to make Erik Spoelstra look bad. If your ankle hurt, dont go in. Dont make Spo look bad -- Horace. A: Or make himself look bad. Or put the Heat behind the eight-ball. There was no mention of an ankle issue for Hassan going into the game (although the Heat can be very protective of such information), but also no mention in Spoelstras postgame comments. For all of Whitesides second-guessing about deciding to play (which can be an admirable attribute), those are the time when you have to be proactive. If a limited Whiteside didnt play, perhaps the Heat dont fall behind by 18 points in the first place in Brooklyn. Q: Can we hire somebody to take Goran Dragic on a temporary involuntary vacation -- William. A: Ah, the irony: The time when Goran Dragic starts playing like the Goran Dragic that so tantalized the Heat at the 2015 trading deadline also is a time when some have become more forward thinking with their Heat perspective. And yet some also point out to how Goran deferred to Dion Waiters at Mondays close against the Warriors, just as he did to Dwyane Wade the previous two seasons. What Goran has provided are the types of game-long contributions that have allowed the Heat to remain competitive so that the closing minutes will have meaning. This no longer can be a case of dumping Goran for salary-cap space. He has made himself so much more valuable than that. So unless the trade offers include some tantalizing in the draft, you sit back and wait. Ultimately, there is no guarantee that those two first-round picks offer anything more tangible to the Suns than what the Heat could derive from Dragic over the next three seasons. Q: I have respect for Erik Spoelstra and the team. They have brought full effort every game despite injuries and less talent than opponents. -- C. J. A: Actually, there had been a few when that wasnt the case, which is why any notion of a playoff run is way too premature. But perhaps it speaks even greater volumes that a team can fall 19 games below .500 and still fight as hard as the Heat have in recent weeks. This often can become a white-flag juncture of the season for teams at the bottom of the standings. The Heat instead are pushing through with the good fight. Q: Hi, Ira. I cant help but be bothered every time I hear about Chris Bosh either giving All-Star votes to Dwyane Wade or being a cheerleader at the Bulls game. What issues does he really have with the Heat, that they dare put his health first Shouldnt he be supporting the team hes still contracted with I mean, its silly enough he has negative feelings with the front office, but I swore he was a quotfriendquot to some of the players still currently in Miami. -- Marc, Pembroke Pines. A: And he remains friendly with those players, spending New Years Eve with Udonis Haslem, Josh McRoberts and others. I am surprised that the familial Heat couldnt make it work better with Chris, even if the goal has to be excising his salary-cap hit. Even when it has been business with the Heat, there mostly has been the ability to maintain a cordial relationship. That this was allowed to go so wrong is a shame for a player whose jersey one day will be hoisted to the AmericanAirlines Arena rafters. Q: The schedule only gets easier from here. The Heat are about to take a chance missing out on a potential future franchise player -- Y. S.B. A: Its amusing, first of all, how some are now looking at it that way, with overwhelming underdog status, which was overcome Monday against the Warriors, now essentially put on hold until Feb. 15 in Houston. Until then, the schedule reads: at Nets, at Bulls, vs. Pistons, vs. Nets, vs. Hawks, vs. 76ers, at Timberwolves, at Bucks, at Nets at 76ers, vs. Magic. Of course, every one of those teams also is likely looking at the Heat through a similar lens. But lets not forget the Heat also are 15-30. Win ALL of those games, and youre still four games under .500. And the Heat are not winning them all, not stringing together a 15-game winning streak. So then you get the flip side of it, of fooling around and falling out of lottery love, winding up somewhere in the middle of the non-playoff pack. To that I say, dont worry. There will be enough teams playing to win over the seasons final two months, that you basically can get the record to square where you need it, especially with the Feb. 23 trading deadline approaching. So whether you consider the current glass half full or half empty, at least this is not as rancid as it had been over the seasons first two months. Q: Ira, if Dion Waiters keeps this up then do you think Pat Riley will give him the keys to the house the Dwyane Wade built I mean, Im impressed -- Will. Q: Time to sell high on Waiters. Trade, Trade, Trade -- Rafy. A: Contrasting opinions offered for your benefit, followed by perspective: You dont overstate two games, and you also dont overstate how the trade market might change because of two games. What you do is sit by the phones, see if Waiters has created a market in time for the Feb. 23 trading deadline, and then weigh the odds of re-signing him vs. acquiring something tangible in advance of his return to free agency. Q: In the fourth quarter against the Warriors, Hassan Whiteside didnt touch the ball once with undersized Draymond Green guarding him and in one instance with Klay Thompson on him. Who do you blame for this the players or Erik Spoelstra Also, I partially blame Whiteside. He had to learn how to seal his man when he goes low. -- Joel. A: You answered part of your question. But the other part of it is a lack of true playmakers, with Dion Waiters forced into such a role because of injuries, and with Justise Winslow and Josh McRoberts out. Ive noticed numerous times this season where Whiteside has flashed open without the Heats guards noticing. But Whiteside also has to provide an aggressive target, one with two feet in the paint, if possible. Its almost as if the Heat got too caught up in the alley-oop game with him. Q: Dion Waiters scores 33 points and you report why the Heat should trade him. You are a moron. -- Nate. A: I did. And I might be. But there has to also be a critical lens for what this team can look like going forward. Even if the Heat reclaim Chris Boshs salary-cap space, as is expected, if it is reinvested in this current roster, then basically. you would have the same roster coming back. If, for instance, Dion puts together a few more games such as Saturday, then in todays NBA economy, he is going to be starting a new contract at 10 million or beyond (money he might have gotten this past summer if the Thunder had set him free earlier). Similarly, an equal case could be made for James Johnson. And neither have Bird Rights with the Heat, meaning their share would have to come out of the Heats cap space. So my alternate theory (moronic as it might seem to some, or at least one), is instead to try to spin both into tangible currency, namely draft picks, at the Feb. 23 trading deadline, or perhaps even a low-priced veteran with Bird Rights. It beats the alternative of Waiters and Johnson potentially walking out that door in July for nothing in return. The enduring contribution from Johnson and Waiters could be what they deliver to the Heat in terms of long-term currency. The exception would be if Waiters would agree to pick up his player option for 2017-18 in advance, thereby having Early Bird Rights in the 2018 offseason. But why exactly would he settle in advance for a 3 million 2017-18 salary Once a player plays above his current pay grade, it is incumbent on any front office to consider the ramifications going forward. Q: Why would Erik Spoelstra opt to utilize Okaro White instead of giving Derrick Williams a chance to play and up his confidence He played well in the preseason, right -- Roy. A: This also sort of goes to the above. Derrick Williams essentially is a one-year rental. If his play is off, he likely is not asked to return. And if he thrives, he likely moves on to his next contract elsewhere. But White could be a pipeline player going forward, perhaps even on a two-way contract next season, once that process begins with the new collective-bargaining agreement. Yes, at the moment, a hearty argument could be made that Derrick Williams is the more NBA-ready player. But not a lot about this season is about this season for the Heat. Instead, it is about who can, will or should be a member of this roster going forward. Q: Kaboom We have no future -- Bruno, Fort Lauderdale. A: This whole lottery thing is getting out of control. Are you telling me people are actually booing in some places when the Heat win this season I guess you can lose for winning. Q: Ira, whats your take on the speculation of Dwyane Wade possibly leaving Chicago Is he Cleveland bound I dont see him back in Miami just yet, as we are searching for an identity and lets not forget the way free agency 2016 unfolded. Time definitely heals all wounds, but I think its too soon, possibly too late, to expect Dwyane to come back. -- John, Rhode Island. A: Dwyane prioritized money last summer to the degree that I cant see him walking away from the 23.8 million player option he holds for 2017-18 with the Bulls unless another team is willing to even come close to that figure for next season. And I dont see that happening, either. But if the Bulls do move toward a total rebuild, then I would think Dwyane would sooner move to the 8 million mid-level alongside LeBron James in Cleveland (or perhaps Chris Paul in Los Angeles, or maybe Carmelo Anthony in New York). And then theres the Heats perspective, where Im not sure after moving to excise Chris Boshs cap space and, before that, limiting the offer to Wade, that there would be any inclination to spend even the mid-level on such a move. Now, if youre talking about 2018-19, when Wades Chicago contract expires, then I could see an amenable resolution between Wade and the Heat. Q: Doesnt the Tyler Johnson injury show that going for Okaro White over Briante Weber was a mistake Now we have no backup for Goran Dragic. -- Seth. A: Remember that Okaro is on a 10-day contract, so an adjustment can always be made there. Also, there is no certainty (at least from what the Heat are saying) that Tyler will be out for an appreciable period. If Johnson is out for more than a few days, and if Richardson remains inactive with his foot issue, then I would think another ballhandler would be essential. If this was a win-at-all-costs season, Im not sure that an additional ballhandler wouldnt have been brought in as soon as Richardson went down, just in case of this type of Tyler Johnson eventuality. Q: Its a little sad that some fans get upset when the Heat win. But I agree with you, if youre going to have hope for any players on this current roster playing a role on future ones, then you need to see they have the ability to win some games. I watch each game for the potential entertainment value of that specific game. I dont think about past losses, etc. Its a much easier approach to this particular season. Viewed in that light, there have been a lot of entertaining games, including (mostly) the losses. -- Matt. A: Ive been saying this all season, that when it comes to the games, themselves, thats the time to suspend all other concerns and appreciate that there is NBA basketball in South Florida and on South Florida televisions, and that if its not the Heats night then its an opposing player creating reason to watch. The reality is that half the teams lose every night and that only two of them make the NBA Finals (and, candidly, you can make an argument that only the Cavaliers, Warriors, Spurs and maybe even one or two other teams are even in contention). (Todays mailbag is presented as a matter of throwing ones hands up and allowing the readers to take over.) Q: A two-game winning streak is worthless at this point in time. First off, you have no business being competitive against the Rockets, and against the Mavs (who also want to be very bad) is a must-lose game. You complain about all Heat fans who are rooting for losses, but Id argue we are true diehard fans wanting whats best for the franchise. Sure, you want the young guys to grow and develop, but they had been doing that just fine playing competitive but losing every game late. However, on the bright side, nights like Thursday sell what kind of player Goran Dragic can be to another team. -- Taylor, Christiansburg, Va. A: I guess your ultimate ending therefore would have been when Rodney McGruder defended Harrison Barnes 3-pointer at the buzzer on Thursday night is that he should have made sure he fouled, since it was a four-point game (I spoke to Rodney afterward and he acknowledged he was admonished for defending on a play when the best defense was no defense.) Q: So, despite the fact that Markelle Fultz is being labeled as the best prospect at point guard to come out of a draft class since Kyrie Irving, despite the fact that point guard will clearly be a need for Miami to address in the foreseeable future, considering the fact that Goran Dragic turns 31 in four months, and despite the fact that the Heat still owe the Suns two of their four upcoming first-round draft picks, between 2018 and 2021, essentially leaving us with little to no error in terms of selecting a prospect in this years draft. we suddenly are just going to start winning Just in time to barely miss the playoffs while simultaneously falling out of the lottery Top 10 Yeah, Im just going to assume that this is a Pat Riley plan for bringing up the stock of Goran Dragic and other movable pieces before the trade deadline. -- Jean, Miami. A: So, based on Thursdays mundane performance by Hassan Whiteside, I guess theyve not decided to showcase him, as well Yes, the Heat already have sent in their scorebooks for all games after Feb. 23 with Ls in them. Q: I dont get why people are upset that we won against the Rockets. Root for the team, and for growth. Securing the worst record doesnt guarantee the top spot in the lottery, anyway. The only part I didnt appreciate about the win is that, because it had been so long since they won, I forgot about the Papa Johns deal the next day. -- Matt, Boynton Beach. A: See. discounted pizza, thats why this winning ultimately makes too much sense to bypass. Q: Think Pat Riley is rethinking trading Goran Dragic No pick next year can do what Goran is doing. -- Goigi. A: Two things: First, who says Pat Riley has been thinking about trading Goran Second, next season hardly figures to be one of top-tier contention for the Heat, anyway, so its not as if the development of a lottery pick would set the process back. Beyond any of that, there still is plenty of math in play, with recouped cap space from Chris Bosh, to be able to add a top-tier free agent, select a lottery pick. and still retain Goran Dragic. The primary thought with Goran should be this: Will having Goran Dragic on the roster when the Heat are back in contention make the Heat significantly better He certainly looked like a keep Thursday night against the Mavericks. Q: Hi, Ira. The Celtics got outrebounded by 20 by the Knicks in Boston. Do you think the Celtics could use Hassan Whiteside Its not like Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball are going to step in right away and replace Isaiah Thomas. Hello Brooklyn pick and other assets. -- Rich, West Palm Beach. A: Except a draft pick is not a sure thing, not even one among the first three or four (as the Heat can attest to the last time they were in this position). While I have played along with the Whiteside discussion, its always been when a youthful, proven-perimeter talent has been mention, as with the C. J. McCollum discussion. Yes, Fultz could prove to be special, as could Ball or one of the other young, dynamic one-and-done lottery picks. But then consider the void the Heat had the middle after the departures of Shaquille ONeal and Alonzo Mourning, until Chris Bosh was spotted into the middle. Dynamic big men come around even less often than unproven lottery picks flourish. Thats why I could accept something more apples to apples when eying a lottery pick, at least knowing there could be a replacement in the pipeline for Goran Dragic with such a selection. Q: Do you think Dwyane Wade would have been a difference maker with us this season Honestly, I dont see the Heat being in the playoffs even with Dwyane Wade still here. -- Gunter, Berlin. A: That depends: Are we talking healthy, every-day Dwyane Wade Because with all the close losses, the question would have been whether Dwyane would have been available in those games Yes, if the Heat retained Dwyane, I believe they would, at worst, have been contending for a final playoff spot. But Im not sure a first-round matchup against the Cavaliers exactly moves your franchise forward. Q: Tuesday was a pointless win that gets us further from a rebuild. This does nothing for the future but make it worse -- Joel. Q: In the long run, I prefer the Ping-Pong balls. This was like the Dolphins winning meaningless games and losing out on Andrew Luck. -- B. D. Q: I would give up Tuesday night for the number-one draft ball. -- Marcelo. Q: I would still prefer Markelle Fultz over wins like this. -- Shad. Q: Whats fun about this We need as many Ls as possible to secure a Top 3 pick. Lonzo Ball would be fun, as would Josh Jackson -- Bai. A: Welcome to Heat 2016-17, when even pure joy has to be tempered. Yes, the NBA draft system favors those who improve their lottery odds. But there also has to be an allowance for pride, professionalism, productivity. And for nights like Tuesday against the Rockets. I can appreciate those Heat end-of-season games when they made losing the priority, like in Toronto and Philadelphia. But you cant be taking that approach in January. To do that is to say that every single player on your roster will be gone and that there is nothing to develop. If you are going to grade Heat players on their development, then you will have to excuse them if they actually grow enough to win a game here or there. Sorry you had to suffer through the Heat finishing a game with more points than the other team. Q: How will the injury exception for Justise Winslow help the Heat -- Damito. A: Likely not at all, since the 1.3 million allowance received is barely above the minimum, anyway, with it cheaper from a salary-cap standpoint to simply sign a player to the minimum (which also would allow for a multi-year deal). But it could help at the Feb. 23 trading deadline, potentially even leaving the Heat with a trade exception going forward. Q: Ira, of all the forwards on our D-League affiliate, Keith Benson holds the most interest to me, more than Okaro White. I like what I saw of him in the preseason, and what hes done so far at Sioux Falls this season. -- Matt. A: But Keith is more of a center, or at least power player, than Okaro, and the Heat are set in the middle with Hassan Whiteside and Willie Reed. Im not sure that Okaro is going to get a chance to play, anyway. But I believe the Heats commitment was to first take care of White contractually, with an NBA 10-day contract paying more than a full-season contract in the D-League. Perhaps Benson or Briante Weber get the next call. Q: The talent pool is just too short to simply make a take-it-or-leave-it approach with James Johnson, just because the guy has to be paid more. The Heat gave him a second life. Does he stay to say thank you Or now that he is a valuable commodity he can take more money andor play for a contender. -- Richard. A: When it comes to players who have been one thing most of their careers and then have a breakout season with a team at the bottom of the standings, I think opposing general managers take pause, as might the Heat front office. What Ive stressed is that while I dont believe James Johnson will receive a break-the-bank offer in free agency, I do believe he has positioned himself at least close to the new 8 million mid-level exception. And Im just not sure that a team looking to maximize cap space can set such an amount aside (which the Heat have never done before when utilizing major cap space). Beyond that, while Johnson complements the second unit with what the Heat currently are working with, it is safe to say that there could be an entirely new chemistry next season. So, as Ive said, if Johnson is willing to meet the Heat halfway, it could be a more workable situation, perhaps taking longer years for lesser annual salary. But you are correct that moving back into a winning situation, such as where Johnson stood last season with the Raptors, could prove the most tempting after enduring this type of season. James Johnson has proven to be a terrific one-year rental for the Heat. We will see soon enough if it only was meant to be a fling. Q: Heres how I see it, Ira: Hassan Whiteside is good and can be the third-best player on a championship team, but not the best player. He is not a leader. He is not consistent enough. I know the hope is he can become more and be that cornerstone, but I feel that he is much better suited to be utilized as a trade asset. -- Connor, Wyoming. A: Whoa. There is a pretty wide berth in the NBA between being a leading man and being trade fodder. Hassan received his contract from the Heat because of his unique skill set. And sometimes you pay a premium for such a unique skill set. But just because he cant be a leading man in a perimeter-based league (and when you look back at it with the Heat, was Alonzo Mourning the leading man when Tim Hardaway was in place, or Shaquille ONeal when Dwyane Wade was alongside), it doesnt mean he cant be a franchise cornerstone. What the Warriors, Cavaliers and Spurs have shown is that you need multiple leading men. Hassan can be that. What this season compared to previous seasons has demonstrated is that Whiteside is best when surrounded by talent. With 40 million in potential cap space this summer (as well as a lottery pick), the Heat will have the resources needed to surround Hassan with the required support system. Even Tuesdays victory over Houston showed how much more efficient Whiteside can be when others are working well around him. Being a part of success should be Whitesides ultimate goal, and the Heats ultimate goal for him. Q: It is very likely the 2017-18 Heat will look very similar to what were seeing now, and well just have to hope some of our young guys blossom into stars. -- Kevin, Pa. A: Actually, there is one aspect that is different: the Heats 2018 first-round pick is only protected through the first seven selections, so there wont be nearly the same level of draft certainly a year from now. It is among the reasons the Heat may attempt to fast-track things. The ultimate failure next season would be to wind up with the No.8 pick, have to send that to the Suns, and then wind up nowhere in the standings and with nothing from the draft. Based on the Heats draft position going forward, an argument could be made that if the Heats turnaround is not rapid, it might not be at all. Q: Ira, unless Im wrong, the Heat again will roll Dion Waiters out with the starters Tuesday night. And he again will not be bashful about shooting. Youve written about developing Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson (when he was healthy), so how does this help -- Vic. A: I have been open to Dions possibilities since he arrived at the most reasonable of price points in the offseason. And he offered the Heat needed scoring before he went down with his groin injury. But I am beginning to wonder if the play at the moment by the Heat might not be trying to build up Dions value by the Feb. 23 trading deadline in order to get something in return, likely in the form of a draft pick. When Waiters is at the top of his game, he is a player who can help a playoff team, as he did with the Thunder last season. If that is the logic at the moment, I would consider it sound. As it is, with Richardson and Justise Winslow out, its not as if Dion is getting in the way of player development. And while Wayne Ellingtons shooting might be of greater benefit in spacing the floor for Hassan Whiteside, its not as if Ellington has long-term prospects with the Heat, either. Q: Okaro White intrigues me with his size. Do you see him potentially finding a place on the team moving forward, or is he more of a stop-gap solution amidst all of the current injuries -- Doug, Cincinnati. A: I have no idea, because for all of Okaros D-League success, its not as if he has been doing it against NBA competition. The only way to make a legitimate judgment is to get him on the floor during this impending tryout. As with Waiters, its not as if Derrick Williams or Luke Babbitt are part of the Heats future, so why not spot White as often as possible as soon as he gets up to speed Q: Hey Ira, I like Justise Winslow, but Pat Riley should have drafted Devin Booker. That kid is tearing it up right now and is on fire. Thoughts -- Guillermo, Biloxi, Miss. A: First, never draft backward. What happened, happened. And there is not a single draft that you cant restructure the lottery to a more sensible conclusion. But, again, when Justise Winslow was drafted, the Heat had a healthy Chris Bosh and an all-in Dwyane Wade. A rebounding, facilitating, defending wing certainly made sense at that time with that No. 10 pick in 2015. If the Heat knew that Bosh would be out and Wade would be gone, then, yes, Booker should have been the pick, both at the moment in hindsight. But you dont draft in hindsight. Q: Are the Heat really looking into sending Goran Dragic to the Magic -- Yung. A: First, this all started with reports of Magic interest in Goran, not about the Heat soliciting interest from the Magic. But this, again, is where timing becomes the issue. While the Magics lottery pick would be the likely centerpiece in a trade, Orlando remains within contention of making the playoffs, and certainly would have no incentive to tank once such a pick is dealt. The last thing you would want is to trade into the lottery and then not wind up in the lottery, instead selecting at No. 15 or No. 16. Goran Dragic stands worth way too much to the Heat to be dealt for a pick into the middle of the first round. When it comes to dealing for potential lottery picks, you have to make sure theyre actually in the lottery. In this case, patience equals prudence. Q: The Heat should try to trade Derrick Williams while he still has some value. Its useless to pay him nearly 5 million to sit on the bench every night. -- Doug. A: I believe its safe to say there is little to no market for Derrick at the moment, and likely nothing close in free agency next summer to what he received last summer from the Heat, with his one-year, 4.6 million contract. If teams call the Heat about expiring contracts, James Johnson and Wayne Ellington are far more likely to be the ones to create interest. And, again, if a quality draft pick can be secured, it would behoove the Heat to consider such overtures, unless James Johnson makes it known he would be willing to re-sign on the Heats budget. Q: Ira, I have a retort for Masoud from Tucson. Micky Arison, Pat Riley amp Co. will come out this JuneJuly looking like the usual geniuses. After we secure Lonzo Ball or at minimum Josh Jackson, we will only retain (if reasonably priced) James Johnson from our roster. Erik Spoelstra will then move Goran Dragic to shooting guard to give the main offensive responsibilities to Lonzo. Once we secure the most exciting player in this years draft, the implosion of the Clippers will have an effect on Blake Griffin. We are the most logical landing spot for him in the East. Yes he has to come East. Boston or Toronto dont have enough money compared to us. After the Griffin signing look for Pat to get a player like Rudy Gay for small forward. Our Biscayne Babies will be best coming off the bench. Those assets will also be the best selling point to Blake. Our bench anchored by James Johnson amp Tyler Johnson, Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and one additional role player, maybe Willie Reed will turn what you deem pathetic into a top 2 contender instantly in East. Also towards March of 2018, Dwyane Wade will be bought out and will return to the Heat for a final Eastern Conference championship push against the Cavs. -- Marcus, Washington. A: OK, works for me. But to land Ball, you likely will have to wind up with one of the first three spots in the draft, which will have as much to do with lottery luck as placement in the standings. And Im not sure with the new maximum contracts that you can have enough remaining cap space for a free agent of any pedigree if you sign someone like Griffin and also choose to retain Dragic. In addition, that certainly will be nice of the Bulls to offer such a buyout. When it comes to actual realities, dont forget the trade market, which could have a significant place in any Heat makeover. And do have patience, because going from 25 wins to something playoff worthy doesnt necessarily happen overnight. Q: Hi, Ira. Im actually somewhat nervous about the Heat potentially having so much cap space. In a market where demand exceeds supply, dont you feel the potential to overpay for players is a concern Lets not forget, this is no longer the Big 3 Era, when players were willing to take a discount to come to Miami. -- Richard, West Palm Beach. A: Rule No. 1 in free-agency club is you overpay. Rule No. 2 in free-agency club is you never talk about Rule No. 1. With so much cap space available, with an NBA salary cap soon to soar to 120 million, there is little need for anyone to take a discount, which is among the first things LeBron James said when he was preparing for his move back to the Cavaliers. About the only money to be left on the table will be with players who change teams and give up higher raises they could receive, since the final years of such deals tend to be player options, anyway. And dont kid yourself, the Heat overpaid when it came to Hassan Whiteside last summer, because thats what cap space forces you to do in free agency. But dont forget, cap space also can be utilized on the trade-market, where there is cost certainty when it comes to contracts. I think many are overlooking that possibility with the Heats impending cap space. Long before Pat Riley was tossing rings in front of free agents, he was cooking up winning deals on the trade market. Q: Why the assumption in many questions that multiple lottery picks are the answer to a rapid Heat resurgence The Lakers, Wolves, and 76ers show that one-and-done players mean talent but hardly meant instant victories. The lottery process seems contrary to Pat Rileys past, present, and the patience of Heat fans. -- Ed, Miami. A: Im not sure anything is quotinstantquot anymore in the NBA, but you are asking me if I would trade the Heats entire roster and draft situation for that of the 76ers or the Timberwolves, I would do it in a heartbeat. Those two teams should be set for years to come, either when it comes together with their young players, or the ability to utilize their younger players as assets. Q: Mr. Ira Winderman, go ahead and keep on supporting this pathetic team. I write to you and present legit and good questions, but you answer two out of three questions from Douglas. This is a horrible team and you never get to the basics and just support this pathetic team. Well, you have to make a living. Why dont you post my correct and legit questions, instead of answering these stupid questions by these people like Douglas I will never write to you and will never root for this team, again, ever again. I go another way and good luck to you and the worst team in this league, called the Miami Heat. I am so sorry for you, for doing this. Very sorry. -- Masoud, Tucson. A: Well, now you did it, got Douglas good and angry. Speed. Valor. Execução. Dados atrasados em 15 minutos As 5 melhores listas não são uma recomendação da ETRADE Securities ou de suas afiliadas para comprar, vender ou deter qualquer produto, instrumento ou produto financeiro, nem endosso de qualquer segurança específica, empresa, família de fundos, produto ou serviço . Critérios de seleção: Ações da Dow Jones Industrial Average que recentemente pagaram os dividendos mais altos como uma porcentagem do preço de suas ações. Rendimento de dividendos é uma relação que mostra o quanto uma empresa paga em dividendos a cada ano em relação ao preço de sua ação. É uma maneira de medir a quantidade de renda que você está recebendo por cada dólar investido em uma posição de ações. Dividend Yields fornecer uma idéia do dividendo em dinheiro esperado de um investimento em uma ação. Dividend Yields pode mudar diariamente, uma vez que são baseados nos dias anteriores fechando o preço das ações. Há riscos envolvidos com dividend yield estratégias de investimento, como a empresa não pagar um dividendo ou o dividendo é muito menor do que o previsto. Além disso, o rendimento de dividendos não deve ser confiado somente ao tomar a decisão de investir em ações. Um investimento em acções e obrigações de elevado rendimento envolve certos riscos, tais como risco de mercado, volatilidade de preços, risco de liquidez e risco de incumprimento. Dados fornecidos por Wall Street on Demand e Thomson Reuters O que acabou de acontecer. E o que vem a seguir. Receba notícias e análises em tempo hábil das principais publicações e websites. Novo para Investimento Online Veja como a ETRADE pode ajudá-lo a assumir o controle de seus investimentos on-line. Faça um tour de três minutos. Criando um portfólio de investimentos Você identificou seus objetivos e fez algumas pesquisas básicas. Você entende a diferença entre. Investir para a renda Cara Esser da Morningstar explica algumas idéias de investimento alternativas para criar renda para. Investir em ações Os negócios vendem ações de ações para investidores como uma forma de arrecadar dinheiro para financiar a expansão, pagar. LEIA AS INFORMAÇÕES IMPORTANTES ABAIXO. NOTA IMPORTANTE: As operações sobre opções e futuros são complexas e envolvem um alto grau de risco, destinam-se a investidores sofisticados e não são adequadas para todos os investidores. Para obter mais informações, leia as Características e Riscos de Opções Padronizadas e Declaração de Divulgação de Risco para Futuros e Opções antes de iniciar as opções de negociação. Documentação de apoio para quaisquer reivindicações feitas sobre opções serão fornecidas a pedido. O prospecto de fundos contém os seus objectivos de investimento, riscos, encargos, despesas e outras informações importantes e deve ser lido e considerado cuidadosamente antes de investir. Para um prospecto atual, visite os fundos eletrônicos ou visite o Centro de Fundos Negociados na Bolsa, no etradeetf. Investir em produtos de valores mobiliários envolve riscos, incluindo possíveis perdas de capital. Os créditos e ofertas da ETRADE podem estar sujeitos a retenções na fonte dos EUA e relatórios a preços de varejo. Os impostos relacionados a estas ofertas são da responsabilidade do cliente. Comissões para ações e negociações de opções são 9,99 com uma taxa de 75 por contrato de opções. Para se qualificar para 7,99 comissões de ações e negociações de opções e uma taxa de 75 por contrato de opções, você deve executar pelo menos 150 ações ou opções negociações por trimestre. Para continuar recebendo 7,99 ações e negociações de opções e uma taxa de 75 por contrato de opções, você deve executar 150 ações ou negociações de opções até o final do trimestre seguinte. Você pode comprar e vender os fundos negociados em bolsa (ETFs) disponíveis através do programa ETF sem comissões da ETRADE Securities sem pagar comissões de corretagem. Para os clientes de margem, os ETF comprados através do programa não são elegíveis para margem por 30 dias a partir da data de compra. Para desencorajar a negociação a curto prazo, a ETRADE Securities poderá cobrar uma comissão de negociação a curto prazo sobre as vendas de ETFs participantes com menos de 30 dias. Você pode investir em fundos mútuos disponíveis através de ETRADE Securities sem carga, sem taxa de transação sem pagar cargas, taxas de transação ou comissões. Para desencorajar a negociação a curto prazo, a ETRADE Securities cobrará uma Taxa de Resgate Antecipado de 49,99 nos resgates ou trocas de fundos sem encargos de transação, sem despesas de transação, que sejam mantidos em menos de 90 dias. Direxion (que não o Fundo de Estratégia de Tendências de Mercadorias DXCTX), ProFunds, fundos mútuos Rydex e todos os fundos do mercado monetário não estarão sujeitos à Taxa de Resgate Antecipado. Todas as taxas e despesas descritas no prospecto de fundos ainda se aplicam. Leia atentamente o prospecto de fundos antes de investir. Os preços aplicam-se às transacções em linha do mercado secundário. Inclui títulos de agência, títulos corporativos, títulos municipais, CDs de corretores, pass-thrus, CMOs e títulos de apoio a ativos. Outras taxas e comissões podem ser aplicadas a outras operações de renda fixa. Clique aqui para mais detalhes. O novo titular da conta será cobrado 1,49 (por lado, por contrato, mais taxas de câmbio) comissões de futuros para cada negociação de futuros executada uma vez que uma conta qualificada é aberta e fundos depositados ter compensado. Após o período de oferta de 90 dias, cada negociação de futuros é de 2,99 (por lado, por contrato, mais taxas de câmbio). Esta oferta não é válida para IRAs, outras aposentadorias, negócios, confiança ou contas bancárias da ETRADE. Exclui os atuais clientes de ETRADE Securities, ETRADE Financial Corporation. Associados e residentes fora dos EUA. A oferta aplica-se apenas às novas Contas Futuras da ETRADE abertas com um depósito mínimo de 10.000 euros. Os titulares de contas devem manter o financiamento mínimo em todas as contas (10.000 menos quaisquer perdas comerciais) durante pelo menos seis meses ou o crédito pode ser entregue. Limite de uma nova conta ETRADE Futures por cliente. Reservamo-nos o direito de rescindir esta oferta a qualquer momento. Além da comissão de 2,99 por contrato por lado, os clientes futuros serão avaliados determinadas taxas, incluindo taxas aplicáveis de câmbio de futuros e NFA, bem como taxas de corretagem de piso para a execução de contratos de futuros e opções de futuros negociados não eletronicamente. Estas taxas não são estabelecidas pela ETRADE Securities e variam de acordo com a troca. A plataforma de negociação ETRADE Pro está disponível sem custo adicional para os clientes que executam pelo menos 30 operações de ações ou opções durante um trimestre civil ou mantêm um saldo de corretagem de pelo menos 250.000. As projeções ou outras informações geradas pelo scanner de estratégia sobre a probabilidade de vários resultados de investimentos são de natureza hipotética, não refletem os resultados reais de investimento e não são garantias de resultados futuros. O scanner de estratégia é um produto da Trade Ideas LLC, um terceiro não afiliado à ETRADE Financial Corporation ou a qualquer de suas afiliadas. Os clientes serão cobrados 25 para negócios com corretagem assistida, mais a comissão aplicável. Na Kiplingers 2016 revisão corretor bienal de sete empresas em oito categorias, ETRADE foi atribuído 1 em móveis e três em cinco estrelas global. ETRADEs classificação por estrelas para todos os rankings de categoria de 5: Geral (3 estrelas), Mobile (4 estrelas), Ferramentas (3,5 estrelas), Serviços de consultoria (3,5 estrelas), Facilidade de uso (3,5 estrelas), Pesquisa (3 estrelas) Custos (3 estrelas) e opções de investimento (3 estrelas). Leia o completo 2016 Best of Online Brokers Survey. 2016 Os editores de Kiplinger Washington. Todos os direitos reservados. Produtos e serviços de valores mobiliários e futuros oferecidos pela ETRADE Securities LLC, Membro FINRA SIPC NFA. Os serviços de consultoria de investimento são oferecidos através da ETRADE Capital Management, LLC, um Conselheiro de Investimentos Registrado. Os produtos e serviços bancários são oferecidos pelo ETRADE Bank, um banco de poupança federal, Membro FDIC. Ou suas subsidiárias. ETRADE Securities LLC, ETRADE Capital Management, LLC e ETRADE Bank são empresas separadas, mas afiliadas. A resposta do sistema e os tempos de acesso à conta podem variar devido a uma variedade de fatores, incluindo volumes de negociação, condições de mercado, desempenho do sistema e outros fatores. 2017 ETRADE Financial Corporation. Todos os direitos reservados. ETRADE Copyright PolicyOptions involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Clique aqui para consultar a brochura Características e Riscos de Opções Padronizadas antes de começar as opções de negociação. Os investidores em opções podem perder todo o seu investimento em um período de tempo relativamente curto. Negociação on-line tem um risco inerente devido à resposta do sistema e tempos de acesso que podem variar devido às condições de mercado, desempenho do sistema e outros fatores. Um investidor deve compreender estes e riscos adicionais antes de negociar. 4,95 para ações on-line e negociações de opções, adicionar 65 centavos por contrato de opção. TradeKing cobra um adicional de 0,35 por contrato em determinados produtos de índice, onde a taxa de câmbio cobra. Veja nossa FAQ para mais detalhes. A TradeKing adiciona 0,01 por ação em toda a ordem para ações com preços inferiores a 2,00. Consulte nossa página de comissões e taxas para comissões sobre operações com corretagem, ações de baixo preço, spreads de opções e outros títulos. A TradeKing recebeu 4 de 5 estrelas em Barrons 12 (março de 2007), 13 (março de 2008), 14 (março de 2009), 15 (março de 2010), 16 (março de 2011), 17 (março de 2012), 18 (março de 2013) , 19º (março de 2014) e 20º (março de 2015) rankings anuais dos Melhores Corretores on-line baseados em Tecnologia de Comércio, Usabilidade, Móvel, Faixa de Ofertas, Amenidades de Pesquisa, Relatórios de Análise de Portfólio, Educação de Serviço ao Cliente e Custos Marca registrada da Dow Jones Company 2015) A TradeKing foi classificada como a Melhor da Classe por Taxas de Comissões, 1 Inovação de Broker para TradeKing LIVE e 4 de 5 Estrelas pelo Serviço de Atendimento ao Cliente pela StockBrokers em sua Pesquisa de Broker de 2015. De acordo com o StockBrokers 2015 Online Broker Review, TradeKing recebeu um total de 4 de revisão de 5 estrelas e, portanto, é referido aqui como uma corretora superior. A análise anual da StockBrokers levou várias centenas de horas de pesquisa para completar e inclui ratings de corretores para nove áreas diferentes em 272 variáveis diferentes: taxas de comissões, facilidade de uso, ferramentas de plataformas, pesquisa, atendimento ao cliente, oferta de investimentos, educação e comércio móvel , E Bancário. NerdWallet alega TradeKing é um dos melhores corretores on-line em geral com preços competitivos e as melhores ferramentas para o seu dinheiro. TradeKing foi dado 4,5 de 5 estrelas por InvestorJunkie em 2015 e foi descrito como um corretor de desconto com ótimo serviço ao cliente. TopTenReviews marcou TradeKing um 9.38 fora de 10 em 2015, que colocou TradeKing em 2o lugar entre outros corretores em linha. A documentação que apóia os prêmios e reivindicações de serviços e ferramentas da TradeKings também está disponível mediante solicitação, ligando para 877-495-5464 ou enviando um e-mail para o serviço de assistência técnica. As cotações são atrasadas pelo menos 15 minutos, a menos que indicado de outra forma. Dados de mercado alimentados e implementados pela SunGard. Dados fundamentais da empresa fornecidos pelo Factset. Estimativas de lucros fornecidas pela Zacks. Dados de fundos mútuos e ETF fornecidos pela Lipper e Dow Jones amp Company. Conteúdo, pesquisa, ferramentas e símbolos de ações ou opções são apenas para fins educacionais e ilustrativos e não implicam uma recomendação ou solicitação para comprar ou vender um determinado título ou para envolver-se em qualquer estratégia de investimento específica. As projeções ou outras informações sobre a probabilidade de vários resultados de investimentos são de natureza hipotética, não são garantidas por exatidão ou integridade, não refletem os resultados reais do investimento, não levam em consideração comissões, juros de margem e outros custos e não são garantias de Resultados futuros. Todos os investimentos envolvem risco, as perdas podem exceder o principal investido eo desempenho passado de um produto de segurança, indústria, setor, mercado ou financeiro não garante resultados ou retornos futuros. A TradeKing fornece aos investidores auto-dirigidos serviços de corretagem de desconto e não faz recomendações nem oferece conselhos de investimento, financeiros, legais ou fiscais. Você é o único responsável pela avaliação dos méritos e riscos associados ao uso de sistemas, serviços ou produtos da TradeKings. Se você tiver perguntas adicionais sobre seus impostos, visite IRS. gov ou consulte um profissional de imposto. A TradeKing não está em condições de prestar qualquer aconselhamento fiscal. Os investidores devem considerar cuidadosamente os objetivos de investimento, riscos e encargos e despesas de um fundo mútuo ou ETF antes de investir. Um prospecto de fundos mútuos contém esta e outras informações e pode ser obtido por e-mail servicetradeking. A TradeKing seleciona e define como All-Stars alguns comentaristas de mercado independentes que são reconhecidos na indústria e comerciantes experientes e que fornecem comentários de mercado oportunos através do blog All-Star TradeKing em community. tradekingmemberstk-all-starblogs. Cada bio de comentaristas de All-Star, qualificações relacionadas e divulgação quanto ao seu relacionamento com TradeKing pode ser encontrado na lista de blog All-Star, disponível na comunidade. tradekingmemberstk-all-stardetails. A seleção de comentaristas All-Stars baseia-se unicamente na qualidade e no estilo do conteúdo fornecido. A TradeKing não mede, endossa ou monitoriza o desempenho ou a exatidão de qualquer declaração ou recomendação feita por comentaristas independentes da All-Stars sobre a TradeKing. Documentação de apoio para quaisquer reivindicações feitas neste post será fornecido a pedido do autor do post, que é o único responsável pelas opiniões expressas nele. Enviar uma mensagem privada para All-Stars usando o link abaixo da imagem do perfil. As estratégias de opções de várias pernas envolvem riscos adicionais. E pode resultar em tratamentos fiscais complexos. Consulte um profissional de imposto antes de implementar essas estratégias. O uso da TradeKing Trader Network está condicionado à sua aceitação de todas as Divulgações TradeKing e dos Termos de Serviço da TradeKing Trader Network. Os depoimentos podem não ser representativos da experiência de outros clientes e não são indicativos de desempenho ou sucesso futuros. Nenhum valor foi pago por qualquer testemunho mostrado. As postagens de terceiros não refletem as opiniões da TradeKing e não foram revistas, aprovadas ou endossadas pela TradeKing. Negociação de divisas (Forex) é oferecido aos investidores auto-dirigidos através de TradeKing Forex. TradeKing Forex, LLC e TradeKing Securities, LLC são empresas separadas, mas afiliadas. As contas Forex não estão protegidas pela Securities Investor Protection Corp. (SIPC). Forex negociação envolve risco significativo de perda e não é adequado para todos os investidores. A alavancagem crescente aumenta o risco. Antes de decidir negociar forex, você deve considerar cuidadosamente seus objetivos financeiros, nível de experiência de investimento e capacidade de assumir riscos financeiros. Quaisquer opiniões, notícias, pesquisas, análises, preços ou outras informações contidas não constituem conselhos de investimento. Leia a divulgação completa. Observe que os contratos spot de ouro e prata não estão sujeitos a regulamentação nos termos da Lei de Bolsas de Mercadorias dos EUA. TradeKing Forex, LLC atua como um corretor de introdução para GAIN Capital Group, LLC (GAIN Capital). Sua conta forex é mantida e mantida em GAIN Capital, que atua como agente de compensação e contraparte em seus negócios. GAIN Capital está registrado na Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) e é membro da National Futures Association (NFA) (ID 0339826). TradeKing Forex, LLC é um membro da National Futures Association (ID 0408077). Copy 2017 TradeKing Group, Inc. Todos os direitos reservados. TradeKing Group, Inc. é uma subsidiária integral da Ally Financial Inc. Títulos oferecidos através de TradeKing Securities, LLC, membro FINRA e SIPC. Forex oferecido através de TradeKing Forex, LLC, membro NFA.
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