Q: Ira, why do the Heat play five exhibition games when the starters only play half the game, and some don’t play at all? – Jan.
A: We all know the reason – because what could be a better business practice than charging for tickets and not paying the talent? So there’s that. I also had previously been told teams generally prefer at least two home exhibitions – one to see what is lacking ahead of the regular season and then one to get it right. So if each team requires two home exhibitions, that would mean each opponent would be playing two road exhibitions. Five, though, does seem excessive, considering teams rarely risk rotation players in their preseason finale. The approach from the NFL and NHL has been to reduce the preseason and increase the regular season. In that case, at least the extra games have meaning. Still, Saturday did prove to be quality theater at Kaseya Center.
Q: Ira, The latest criticism is that the Heat don’t have anybody who can create. Giannis Antetokounmpo can’t create? – Rich, Plantation.
A: He can. So can Bam Adebayo. But when the pressure is on, when the stakes are high, when the wear of a season takes its toll, that is when you want/need a true playmaker to push through the pressure, the stakes, the fatigue. Yes, Erik Spoelstra believes in position-less, but there is a reason the NBA for decades has had a position called point guard. And there is a reason that playmaking point guards have made a difference. So is even Davion Mitchell enough of that? And are Dru Smith and Tre Donaldson enough in support, if the Heat truly fancy themselves as contenders?
Q: Ira: TV. Palm Beach. Make it happen. – Stu.
A: Not my call, but the power that be insist an over-the-air package in the Palm Beach (and southwest Florida) markets will be in place before the Oct. 21 regular-season opener against the Timberwolves, and remains expected to be in place at least in the Palm Beach market for Wednesday night’s home exhibition against the Nets.
