Q: Jimmy Butler must be eating this up. The Timberwolves just fired their general manager and the 76ers are a mess. He knew when to get out. — Andy.
A: First, the Timberwolves’ dismissal of team president Gersson Rosas on Wednesday involved a Minnesota executive who was put in place by the team after Jimmy Butler already had forced his way out early during the 2018-19 season there. As for what is transpiring in Philadelphia with Ben Simmons, that certainly greased the skids for Jimmy to force his way out from a team with a mismatched roster and lack of front-office vision. Sometimes the mythology of Pat Riley and Heat culture can become overstated to the degree of hyperbole. But there is something to be said about a franchise able to maintain stability in its front office, in its coaching suite and with its mission statement. The Timberwolves remain a franchise in search of an tangible element of identity. The 76ers seemingly can’t get out of their own way, after acting for too long like the smartest ones in the room.
Q: Goran Dragic has done a lot for the team. He was with us through the rebuilding phase, provided great veteran leadership. He was more to Miami than Nick Collison was to the Thunder. He was a fan-favorite point guard who was All Star caliber. — Mike.
A: With Nick Collison with the Thunder, as with Udonis Haslem with the Heat, it is more about longevity. But also appreciate that Goran Dragic did not want to leave, did not ask to leave, likely would have welcomed another contract. If nothing else, the debate among Heat fans this week, in the wake of Goran’s No. 7 being granted to Kyle Lowry, is that retiring Goran’s jersey should, at the least, be a talking point within the executive suite. That seems reasonable.
Q: I just saw ESPN’s list of the top NBA players for this coming season and from 100 to 25, only Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry make the list. I am excited to see how many Heat players make the Top 25 (sarcasm here). Why is it that Heat players don’t ever get the respect they deserve? — Enrique, Doral.
A: First, lists are nothing more than subjective opinions from those who might, or might not, have the required insight. But considering that Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo also will show up, four players seems reasonable. I’m not sure who else from the Heat would have a claim. Tyler Herro? Perhaps. Victor Oladipo? Certainly if healthy.
