Q: “If it takes a month, it takes a month.” That’s what Portland’s general manager said in July. It’s September. Make up your mind with Damian Lillard now. – Nate.
A: Yes, I was there, sitting to the left of Joe Cronin when he said it was July 10 as the Las Vegas Summer League. But he also did not say how many months. So now, we are getting closer. And that doesn’t really matter, because the Heat and the Trail Blazers haven’t played a game of any consequence since. And no team will do it next month, either. But today is also a month away from training camp. This is the timeframe when the Jazz finally decided with Donovan Mitchell a year ago, sending him to the Cavaliers. So you can either handle such a situation cleanly, before camp starts, or you can drag everyone through the mud, including your franchise icon. When Joe Cronin tried to show that he would not give in, his statement was made, by making it months without an agreement. But what about his team? What about his young, developmental backcourt? What about the best player in Portland history being forced to hang in the air? Two months down, how many to go?
Q: Ira, we saw your comment about the roster being full. But other teams are still signing players. – Wes.
A: I’m just saying the Heat are at the 21-player NBA offseason roster limit (while referencing that the last one or two spots on the 15-player standard roster still need to be worked out). But you can trade a longshot or two to stay at 21. For all the hope the Heat can develop Caleb Daniels or Justin Champagnie or Alondes Williams in their G League affiliate, if the right player comes along or if the Heat should receive more than they send in a Damian Lillard deal, there are spots that can open up quickly at a moment’s notice.
Q: I still wonder if the Heat hadn’t rushed to sign Bam Adebayo a year before they had to if maybe, maybe Giannis Antetokounmpo would have been here. There were rumors that he would come here, and he signed an extension then we gave Bam the extension earlier. Can you imagine where we would be if we had Giannis Antetokounmpo? Don’t you think we have another trophy? – Brian, Miami Shores.
A: Maybe I can. But the Heat also correctly predicted that Giannis Antetokounmpo would extend to the Bucks at that time. You also have to be careful of too much Giannis FOMO, considering the Heat’s playoff success over the last four seasons. All I have to do this time is wait for Giannis. He’s still a Buck until he determines otherwise.