Q: It looks like Omer Yurtseven will force Erik Spoelstra to play him. And that’s the right way for a talented rookie to break into the rotation. But clearly Omer Yurtseven and Bam Adebayo need to have many more reps together. Actually, I see that combo more for next season after a full training camp. The combination of their distinct talents need to be honed by Spo, who is a talented coach. — Roland, Borrego Springs, Calif.
A: Finally, a reasoned, logical approach to the Bam Adebayo-Omer Yurtseven equation. As Erik Spoelstra said after utilizing Yurtseven and Adebayo together at the start of Friday night’s second half in Atlanta, when P.J. Tucker was out with a knee issue, it’s not an alignment that has had much practice time. Remember, Omer wasn’t a thing before Bam missed his seven weeks with his thumb issue. To put into perspective the 6:46 that Adebayo and Yurtseven played together Friday, consider that it less time played together this season than Nik Stauskas and Haywood Highsmith played together for the Heat or even Chris Silva and Highsmith. And as a matter of big-big perspective, Yurtseven and Dedmon officially are listed as having played a total of one minute together this season. So the really big thing ultimately could become a 2022-23 really big thing. Patience people, please.
Q: Ira, since it doesn’t usually work out when Jimmy Butler takes the last shot to tie or win the game, do you think Erik Spoelstra should mix it up and use him more as a decoy and let one of our shooters get the final shot? — Rich, Plantation.
A: No, I think Jimmy Butler should be in attack mode when it is a one- or two-point game in the closing seconds. And there arguably is no one on the team whose hands I’d rather have the ball going. Yes, he can be a decoy if his attack creates an open shot for someone else. But he is the Heat’s closer. He just is not the Heat’s 3-point closer. Having blown an 18-point lead, I believe the Hawks would have been devastated Friday if they had to go into overtime, having already lost twice to the Heat over the previous eight days.
Q: That 3-point shot was worse than his double technical foul against Portland. Jimmy Butler is letting his emotions get to him and thus lowering his basketball IQ and it’s costing the Heat. — Mark.
A: Not sure about that, considering the two technical fouls put significant additional pressure on teammates. Plus, Jimmy Butler took the 3-pointer out of the confidence that makes him who he is. But considering he recently said he would take a 3-pointer over a tying shot in such a situation, one has to wonder if perhaps game fatigue is entering the equation with Jimmy. Again, it’s not as if the 3-point attempt was sabotage, but rather that irrational confidence that makes All-Stars who they are.
