Q: Ira, will Jaime Jaquez Jr play his way into the starting lineup at some point this season? – Carlos, West Park.
A: He arguably already has done that, at least in showing he could belong. But lineups also are about balance, not necessarily putting your five best or even five most-productive players on the court. Because Jaime Jaquez Jr. in many ways replicates many of the skills of Jimmy Butler, it makes sense to give each their own unit. Plus, the second unit tends to be an energizing unit, which plays perfectly into Jaime’s skillset. Even before the current run with Jimmy missing from the lineup, the Heat had found a chemistry with Kevin Love and Jaime entering first off the bench. That is something I think they eventually get back to. Now, will Jaime eventually be an NBA starter? Based on how this is trending, there would appear to be little doubt. For now, he will stand as the designated starter on the nights that Jimmy is out. And over the past few seasons, that number routinely has been in excess of 18.
Q: Jaime Jaquez Jr. has to be the steal of this year’s draft, but what does last year’s pick, Nikola Jovic, have to do to make it on the court? On a night with no Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson and an injured Caleb Martin, Erik Spoelstra called on RJ Hampton and Jamal Cain over Jovic. At this point, they either need to play him or trade him, because he is just being wasted on the end of the Heat bench. – Greg, Jacksonville.
A: Why is he being wasted? Because the Heat are not playing a 20-year-old with minimal experience? Clearly, defense was a priority, with the sidelined players you mentioned all known for their defense. That is where Nikola Jovic needs to grow. And there remains time for that growth. Had the Heat needed offense or another big body, Nikola might have gotten a shot Monday. But with no Joel Embiid, there was no need for Nikola. Patience. Please.
Q: What does it say about struggling to beat the 76ers with Joel Embiid out and Tyrese Maxey unable to hit a shot? That was way too close. – Eric.
A: What it says is that the Heat, with their own shorthanded issues, are managing to find a way. That is what the NBA regular season is about. And what happened Monday, even with its harrowing moments, beats the alternative.
