Q: Ira, explain to me why the NBA has Bam Adebayo running all over the world? A week in Las Vegas, two games in United Arab Emirates. two more in London, and then the Olympics in France. If this is a Dream Team, why run our players into the ground? – Dave.
A: First, this is not the NBA, it is USA Basketball (which, to be candid, some do view as a wing of the NBA). Beyond that, other national teams have played together in various events for years, including keeping rosters intact in the World Cup. USA Basketball (or at least the players in the pool) prioritizes the Olympics. So that means the need for time to acclimate, since even the best players require chemistry. And the only way to acclimate to the international game, with its rules and officiating nuances, is to play international games. That said, the Abu Dhabi trip did seem as much marketing as a road trip of choice.This is the result of professionals playing in the Olympics. In the end, the marketing wing and marketing elements are undeniable. So a world tour for Bam Adebayo it is, including a Monday exhibition in London against Germany.
Q: We have plenty of amazing prospects on the summer-league roster. And I mean it. We have at least another five awesome prospects right now that are NBA ready. – Jurgis.
A: Hard to disagree, based on what we’ve seen in summer league from Kel’el Ware, Keshad Johnson, Pelle Larsson, Isaiah Stevens and even the promise of Josh Christopher. And that’s not even getting into two-way prospect Zyon Pullin. Summer league has proven eye opening to what has been culled by the Heat scouting and developmental wings.
Q: Ira, you keep talking about all the Heat’s good summer players, and I agree. Are you telling me that Cole Swider or Alondes Williams are not better than Thomas Bryant or Josh Richardson? – Eddie.
A: Yes and no. Josh Richardson is a veteran talent who can help a team with playoff aspirations. He is a net plus on the roster, even with potential duplication with Alec Burks. As for Thomas Bryant, that simply was a matter of him either returning on his option year or being signed back for less of a hit against the cap and tax aprons. Unless he found outside work, a return was implied. Now, if you’re asking if the Heat would be better served with the shooting of Cole Swider than the additional size of Thomas, I think you would have a legitimate argument.
