Q: Hello, Ira. OK, this is likely to be drawback for Erik Spoelstra to have, however what if Victor Oladipo outplays Tyler Herro throughout coaching camp? He is likely to be nearly as good offensively and possibly higher defensively. If the Warmth are, in actual fact, a meritocracy, may issues play out that approach the place Tyler stays the sixth man or are they extra in want of showcasing him for a doable commerce down the road, perhaps proper earlier than the commerce deadline? I’m involved that might trigger some locker room points. – Eddie, South Bend, Ind.
A: I imagine it's extra a matter of finest match, each for the beginning lineup and the bench. Look, Erik Spoelstra already has began Kendrick Nunn over Tyler Herro, after which stayed with a struggling Duncan Robinson over a surging Tyler Herro for the higher a part of final season. Rotation issues most. So being outplayed in the course of the preseason doesn't essentially imply being demoted or elevated. The rotation is an element of workforce chemistry, as nicely.
Q: What are the possibilities that Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro or Victor Oladipo will win Max Strus’ beginning place by opening night time? – Russell, Miami.
A: I’m undecided the Warmth are going into camp with a “Max Strus beginning place.” As said above, chemistry will dictate the lineup and the rotation. For instance, if Caleb Martin is the beginning energy ahead, it may name for a unique cocktail than if the Warmth open with a pair of huge males within the energy rotation. Heck, Max might be in an undersized energy combine. Camp and the preseason may have lots to do with what may comply with.
Q: Would you agree that Kevin Durant didn't study something from the contract extensions LeBron James would check in Cleveland? LeBron would signal a two-year contract with a participant choice for the second yr. This is able to enable him to stress the workforce to maintain him glad. By signing the four-year extension final summer time, Kevin gave away his leverage and the workforce holds the entire playing cards. – Karl, Miami.
A: And, but, hasn’t Kevin Durant seemingly gotten all the pieces he has wished from the Nets over his Brooklyn tenure, from a yr’s pay with out enjoying, to including Kyrie Irving and James Harden, to getting a coach he stated that he preferred till he stated he didn’t? And the opposite argument to be made is that he nonetheless appears to be holding loads of leverage, together with the Nets seeking to facilitate his commerce demand at fair-market worth. It has develop into clear that the NBA maxim is glad participant, glad life . . . irrespective of the contract standing.
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