ASK IRA: Is it malpractice for the Heat front office not to have a blueprint for change already drafted?
Q: Do you think it would be beneficial for the Heat to lose in the play-in round – especially if trying to win – in that it will be a more jarring wake-up call for the front office? – Michael, Port St. Lucie.
A: First, the Heat will try to win in the play-in round because that’s what players do and that’s what coaches do. But at this point – win in play-in round, lose in play-in round, wind up being bounced around again in the first round of the playoffs – if the message is not clear already to the front office, then something is wrong. This team is not good enough.
This core is not good enough. Squeezing into the playoffs, when eight of 15 in each conference advance, is little more than a badge of mediocrity. If there already is not a blueprint of change circulating through the front office, then hope will remain an abstract.
It should not take the play-in round for a wakeup call to resonate. No matter when it ends, short of another NBA Finals Hail Mary, change has to be at hand. Related Articles Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!
Q: Ira, Vegas had the Heat at 37 1/2 wins. At that number, you do no better than the play-in. So why is everyone so shocked?