ASK IRA: In the end, is a talent deficit the Heat’s standings reality?
Q: The Cavaliers are using the same defense and the same offensive sets to run up the score against the Heat that they used in last year’s playoffs. Why doesn’t Erik Spoelstra make any adjustments? He had to know this was coming.
– Thomas, Hollywood. A: Because his players aren’t good enough? Moving beyond the Bam Adebayo-Evan Mobley matchup, Donovan Mitchell is better than Tyler Herro, James Harden is better than Norman Powell, Jarrett Allen is better than Kel’el Ware and Max Strus against the Heat is better than Jaime Jaquez Jr.
against the Cavaliers. Gimmicks and systems have long been secondary in the NBA to talent. That, more than coaching, is why the Heat have been stuck in the play-in mud these past few seasons.
Elite talent wins in the NBA, which, for the Heat, remains lacking on the high end. Related Articles Submit your “Ask Ira” question here! Q: Ira, please ask Erik Spoelstra why does he think he will be the only successful small-ball team in NBA history.
And did this utter embarrassment finally prove it will never, ever work, especially defensively? Please Ira, be the voice of the fans. – Pinga.