ASK IRA: Has the extension game also had Heat at a loss?
Q: Many Heat fans around me believe Pat Riley has done a poor job when it comes to player contract extensions. That sentiment has grown especially loud this season after Nikola Jović signed an early extension but has underperformed badly. – Hubbie, Miami.
A: There is no avoiding that the Nikola Jovic four-year, $62. 4 million extension is not looking particularly good at the moment, considering he can’t get on the court in the most important games of the season. (OK, it’s looking pretty terrible, albeit also not kicking in until next season.
) But such is the risk-reward of attempting to get ahead of the game in such matters before cost increases. That said, the Heat has shown increased prudence of late by bypassing extension windows with Tyler Herro and Norman Powell, and could (should? ) be tracking that way with this summer’s window for Jaime Jaquez Jr.
At this point the focus should be on someone to surround with talent, and only then addressing the contracts of such supporting talent. Still, Herro showed at the end Monday night against the 76ers how much he can matter. As, for that matter, did Jaquez.
Related Articles Submit your “Ask Ira” question here! Q: I really hope management does whatever they can to put a contender around Bam Adebayo, while still in his prime years. If he doesn’t at least get a chance for a ‘chip, it’ll be a damned shame.