ASK IRA: Are Heat leaving themselves short against a sizable rebounding concern?
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Q: Ira, after the Memphis game, Erik Spoelstra said the Heat had to be better with their rebounding, and then they cut Precious Achiuwa. How does that help? – Randy, Atlanta.
A: It doesn’t. But the move did get the Heat below the tax line, which is where a middling team should stand, while not exactly standing as a contender. As Erik Spoelstra said, rebounding will come down to all five players on that court making that commitment. And that’s where it will get interesting with the season-opening lineup on Wednesday night in Orlando, with Nikola Jovic having been challenged to rebound more, and with Kel’el Ware leading in the NBA in rebounding in the preseason at 11 per game, one of only two players to average in double figures. Precious Achiuwa wasn’t going to change the rebounding calculus. It’s the rotation players who will have to step forward in that regard.
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Q: Ira, I wrote to you last week about the Heat not playing anyone to practice finishing games. They had the chance Friday night, but gave up after competing through the third quarter. Not good at crunch time last year, what does not trying in the fourth quarter accomplish to get ready for the season? I know they don’t want injuries, but injuries could happen anytime in the game. Gotta learn how to win. – Jeff, Rochester, N.Y.
A: Also have to accept the realities that the four days before the opener against the Magic might stand as more important when it comes to developing continuity. The Heat’s opening schedule is brutal, and somewhat compact, without anything more than a one-day break between games until Nov. 15-16. As it was, there were three quality quarters against the Grizzlies, so at least something to build on there.
Q: Why not add another center or point guard on a two-way contract? – Davis.
A: Why not indeed? Vlad Goldin is a developmental project at this stage, and there is no true point guard on the roster. Instead, there is an athlete in Myron Gardner, a scorer in Jahmir Young and Goldin on the two-way deals.. But also keep in mind that two-way deals can be subbed out at any time.
