Q: Ira, when the Terry Rozier trade happened, they never put it on pause with him being investigated for gambling. But they stopped the Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto because of the Clippers’ investigation. – Peter.
A: To a degree, it probably is a case of lesson learned, since the NBA at least made the nominal recompense of awarding the Heat a Hornets second-round pick in last month’s draft, which the Heat turned into Ryan Conwell. A difference, though, is the NBA said it completed its investigation of Rozier at the time of the January 2024 trade to the Heat. This time, the NBA has acknowledged the Kawhi Leonard investigation is ongoing. Basically, what it means is that teams likely never again will have to endure what the Heat did, acquiring a player with such a major cloud hanging above his head. Too late for the Heat, but not too late for the Raptors. Then again, a case could be made that by not informing the Raptors sooner, Toronto lost the opportunity to take an alternate path to this offseason. So even with this chance to get it right, a case could be made of the NBA yet again coming up short.
Q: The NBA scout you interviewed in your article about the Heat’s prospects for this coming season, with or without LeBron James, was spot on with every answer. One thing that I noticed missing was a question about the possibility of internal growth. The Heat may or may not get improved play from Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic, which could make a difference. – Morgan, New Orleans.
A: The intent of the piece was to address the moves made by the Heat so far this offseason, not the moves not made. Yes, improvement from within always is critical. The way this roster currently stands, Pelle Larsson could be a critical rotation element, possibly even starting at shooting guard. For that matter, any missed time by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo or Bobby Portis almost assuredly would open the door for Nikola Jovic.
Q: If Thanasis Antetokounmpo ain’t coming neither is Bronny James. We don’t have spots to just gift guys. Everybody on the roster will have to really contribute, Ira. – Joe.
A: As it is, with the Heat most likely to limit their standard roster to 14 (one shy of the maximum) at the start of the season due to apron reasons, then the addition of LeBron James would mean there only would be one roster spot left, a spot seemingly needed for a shooter. So the family section of the roster might already be shut down (beyond Tim Hardaway Jr., of course).