Q: Ira, how does Nassir Little working out for the Heat make sense? All you and the other writers tell us is the Heat do not have any room. – Robert.
A: I’m not sure that is what anyone is saying. The Heat, at this writing, have two remaining spots available for camp under the NBA offseason roster maximum of 21. Yes, the Heat currently are hard up against the second apron of the luxury tax with the 14 players already under standard, guaranteed contact, when counting Bam Adebayo, Thomas Bryant, Alec Burks, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Haywood Highsmith, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson, Kevin Love, Josh Richardson, Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and Kel’el Ware. But that doesn’t mean an intervening trade (as unlikely as that stands) couldn’t change that math. Beyond that, teams can swap out two-way players at any time. The problem is Nassir Little no longer is eligible for a two-way deal. As for Little’s workout out for the Heat, that’s what happens in gyms across the NBA in the offseason, and, in fact, that was the path that led RJ Hampton to his Heat shot last season.
Q: Nice to see Erik Spoelstra listed as the NBA’s best coach. – Steve.
A: Which means it’s that time of the preseason, when anyone and everyone has a list. I’m sure Erik Spoelstra would appreciate more the title of 2025 NBA championship coach or even 2025 NBA Coach of the Year. While such ratings-list judgements or such slights have been known to affect some, I’m not sure Erik is of such an ilk. Those who know his work have appreciated it for years, and for more than the championship years. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around 11-30 and then 30-11.
Q: So the new Culture uniforms are red? Why not something new? – Mike.
A: That’s what the preliminary leak is showing. And you knew when the Heat designed their Culture court, “Hardest-working . . . ) it would be used for more than a season. So, yes, players again should have something to read in the lane amid a free-throw attempt.
