ASK IRA: Or are the Raptors simply better than the Heat?
Q: Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković has a fraction of the talent the Heat have and earns a fraction of Erik Spoelstra’s salary and yet is 3-0 vs the Heat this season. Why are the Heat not firing a coach that is seriously underperforming? – Chris, Coconut Grove.
A: OK, I’ll bite. It’s time to set the record somewhat straight when it comes to the notion of the Heat underperforming. While the Heat might have greater depth, the Raptors’ lineup is as good if not better than the Heat’s.
Who’s better: Scottie Barnes or Bam Adebayo? Who’s better: Brandon Ingram or Tyler Herro? Who’s better: RJ Barrett or Norman Powell.
And so on. And if there even was a reason for pause there, then don’t overstate the Heat. Same with the notion that the Heat are superior to a Hawks lineup that rolls out Jalen Johnson, Nickeil-Alexander Walker, Dyson Daniels and now Jonathan Kuminga.
And I’m sure the 76ers’ trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George (or VJ Edgecombe) would be up there. A case, separate from coaching, could be made that the Heat simply have played and are playing to the level of their talent, which is good, but not great, basically a play-in roster playing to a play-in level . Related Articles Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!