Q: Hey, Ira. We have seen Erik Spoelstra make very tough decisions even if not popular among the players — starting or sitting players regardless of what they make financially or their Hall of Fame status. My question is whether you believe Pat Riley has shied away from those same principles himself? Has he gotten so hesitant in making trades that it cost an opportunity for Jimmy Butler? That Rodney McGruder had to be cut days before the end of the season, has he allowed himself to become reactive? I remember Pat Riley being more calculating than some of the decisions he has made. What say you? — Victor, Bethlehem, Pa.
A: To a degree, I agree that Pat Riley has been reactive, but in a different way than you suggest. After being so active in the 2016 (Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson) and 2017 offseasons (James Johnson, Dion Waiters), I think the personnel bursts have been put on hold. And that typically is how it plays out — go all in, see what you’re left with, assess, perhaps reassess. That has left the Heat in somewhat of lull. And that’s fine, also, particularly when you also are attempting to develop younger players (Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, Bam Adebayo, Derrick Jones Jr.). What is clear is that the next transaction burst has to be more transformative. And if that requires patience, when then prudence it is.
Q: Ira, I don’t see how 2020 rebuild is possible. That would be another sign of impatience. To be a player in 2020 we would have to move bad contracts. To do that we would need to attach assets. Unfortunately we need to ride this out until 2021. Do you see another path? Thanks. — Mike.
A: I also don’t see the same math that Pat Riley offered for 2020 in the video produced for Heat season-ticket holders, math he somewhat backed off from during his recent season-ending media session. But, yes, if he goes scorched earth (want Dion Waiters, we’ll give you Bam Adebayo, etc.) there certainly could be a completely different product on the court in 2020-21. Better? Cap space is the ultimate speculative game. You never know what you’ll get until you get it.
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Q: Should the Heat approach be to sell off players to acquire draft picks and reset in a couple seasons or attach assets to players to trade for a star now? — Chadwick, Lake Worth.
A: Which sort of is a follow up to the question above. No, I would not cast aside Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo just to offload troubled assets. To a degree, that also reflects to the first of today’s three questions, that perhaps the Heat allow what has been done to marinate, take a pause, and not chase mistakes or bad money, if, indeed it comes to be perceived (or further perceived) that way.
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