ASK IRA: Even if Heat were to take a step back to get ahead, is that even possible?
Q: If I were this team’s top dogs, send Bam Adebayo to a contender and do the right thing for him and get draft capital back, and do the same for Tyler Herro and get draft capital. I think fans will appreciate a three-year plan and could actually enjoy the development of our younger players. We have, I think, enough in Kel’el Ware and other young assets to keep games interesting while development goes on and draft picks come in and our books get better for the right stars to be bought into South Beach.
One thing this team had in years past was a clear articulation and vision of what the franchise was doing to achieve contention, and I do not see that clarity. – Jerry, Miami. A: First, there is no guarantee that such a turnaround only would require a mere three years (See: The Process).
Evidence is the Magic still in search of their first win in a playoff series since 2010 . Plus, the type of rebuild you suggest means maximizing draft capital, with the Heat hamstrung in that regard due to the 2027 or ’28 first-round pick due to the Hornets from the lamentable Terry Rozier trade. When one of your next three first-round picks is going out, it is difficult to stack picks as needed, even with others potentially coming in.
When you take a step back (which the Heat have said they will not do), having your own draft capital (and therefore lottery picks) can be paramount. The type of plan you suggest requires foresight, not necessarily some of the actions the Heat have taken in recent years, including the Rozier trade and extending Nikola Jovic . Related Articles Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!
Q: You’re ignoring evidence that says the Heat are already an improving team. So the real interesting question is how many of the teams above them will the Heat catch up to as they continue to improve? And why do you keep ignoring in your articles the fact that the Heat have a bevy of young talent from excellent drafting over the last three years, that’s every bit as good as what the Pacers drafted several years ago?