2 days Ago By Ira Winderman
Q: How long is this first-rounder for Terry going to sting for? Watching similar players go for second rounders and his play right now, it makes you think what could have been? Does Terry Rozier have any value in the trade market to get a piece back? – Chris, Oceanside. A: At the moment, it is difficult to see much in the way of trade value for Terry Rozier, based on his uneven play. And, yes, last January’s trade of Kyle Lowry to the Hornets for Terry and a potentially unprotected first-round pick does not look in any way favorable at the moment for the Heat.
Not only do the Heat risk the loss of an unprotected pick to the Hornets in four years, but that pick also ties up several future Heat first-round picks, because of the rule requiring teams not to be without future first-round picks in successive years. Had the Heat played it out with Kyle last season, they could have been in both a better cap and better draft position at the moment. From the Heat’s perspective, they went for it last season, a year removed from being in the NBA Finals.
But at the moment, it seems highly, highly unlikely to recoup a first-round pick for Terry. Related Articles Q: Ira, have you noticed how poorly Bam Adebayo is playing? He’s been outplayed by guys he should dominate. Goga Bitadze, really? Poor shooting, mediocre rebounding and turnovers.
He’s supposed to be one of our big three, but is nowhere close. Thoughts? – Rick, Plantation. A: The thought is similar to how Erik Spoelstra has characterized Tyler Herro ‘s season.
When discussing Tyler, Spoelstra often says something along the lines of, “He has emerged as an elite player,” before adding, “. . .
on the offensive end.” Similarly, Bam Adebayo again has been excellent, elite . .
. on the defensive end. But to be an overall elite player, a player at the level of All-NBA, it requires significant contribution on both ends.
To this stage, as the calendar turns, that has not been the case with Bam. Q: Ira, who is the leader in the locker room? We’ve been spoiled for years, with Udonis Haslem’s leadership. Who can fill that void? We no longer see guys taking charges, the rebounding effort looks weak at best sometimes.
I guess we are now seeing the value UD brought in his final years. – Mike, Southwest Ranches A: First, how a team plays is far, far, far more a factor of talent and health. And this roster, at this moment, is not one of particular length nor one playing those who are adept at taking charges.
But don’t confuse that for a lack of leadership. Kevin Love very much has been providing that on the bench, in the locker room, and, when allowed, on the court. Plus Udonis Haslem is still around plenty, including during practices.
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