Q: Ira, it looks like the Heat won’t be playing on Christmas. Just another sign of the NBA’s disrespect. – Anthony.
A: I hardly would consider it a sign of disrespect that a team that finished in eighth place and won a single playoff game isn’t playing on Christmas. The Heat got their shot last year against the 76ers when coming off their 2023 NBA Finals appearance. The reality is that this is not a particularly sexy roster, and there seemingly is no guarantee when their leading man is going to play. As it is, Jimmy Butler missed last season’s Christmas victory over Philadelphia. I would not expect very much Heat on national television when the schedule comes out. While Bam Adebayo is an Olympian and an All-Star, it’s not as if the NBA is pushing the sales of Adebayo jerseys. Respect is earned. The Heat will need to earn it again when it comes to the national stage.
Q: Ira, I keep hearing on TV about how international basketball is more physical than NBA basketball. Can you explain that and give examples of how it is more physical? Also, is it that difficult for the NBA players to adjust their game? –Rich, Plantation
A: Basically, off the ball, anything goes internationally, the type of wrestling for position that the NBA has legislated out of its league. The nuance is to recognize the difference going uncalled away from the ball and appreciating that it will be called on the ball. There also is a shorter 3-point line, which requires an element of adjustment, as Stephen Curry seems to have worked through.
Q: Are NBA scouts fixated more on what players “can’t do vs what they can do?” Pre-draft, the line on Jimmy Butler was not enough length, athleticism or shot making. Draymond Green, a ‘tweener without a position. Devin Booker had short arms, marginal athleticism and wasn’t enough of a shot creator. Bam Adebayo another ‘tweener who lacked the face-up skills to play the four. Jalen Brunson had limited upside because he lacked size and athleticism. These have all turned out to be stars and superstars in the NBA. – Rodney.
A: Which is where I think the Heat have thrived in the process, pushing past the concerns such as Bam Adebayo’s perceived lack of offense, Tyler Herro’s short arms or even the current questions about Kel’el Ware’s motor. When you are not a team drafting at the top of the lottery, it becomes a case of molding the prospect into something more than perceived, as the Heat largely have done.
