Q: Let’s take the Heat at their word, that they “have enough” big men or however you phrased it. Though they might have been able to sign Montrezl Harrell for the money they gave Udonis Haslem. Which big man do you think is most likely to develop into an eight-man rotational player, deep into this year’s playoffs? Haywood Highsmith? Omer Yurtseven? Darius Days. If it’s Days, would they be in a position to convert him from a two way player, into a full contract for the playoffs, like they did with Caleb Martin? – Morgan, New Orleans.
A: While it might not be as a top-eight rotation player, I have a sneaking suspicion the Heat will attempt to maximize Haywood Highsmith. As one NBA scout told me, he was surprised by the strides Highsmith has already made from where the scout projected that Haywood would top out. In many ways, Highsmith could provide a sort of a P.J. Tucker Lite, with his build and 3-point shooting. The Heat had the ability to sign a replacement player in place of Haywood this summer, with Haywood due only a nominal guarantee, but the sense here is the Heat want to see if they can maximize this latest project. I’m not saying he will start or even get big minutes, but he will have a chance for a role.
Q: There’s so much discussion on Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo and the rest, are we missing the impact that an improved Gabe Vincent and Max Strus can have on this team? – Bob, Davie.
A: What matters is that the Heat aren’t. Gabe Vincent continues to set up as the backup point guard and spot starter when Kyle Lowry is not available. And Max Strus certainly will get every opportunity to retain his starting role. Those two certainly would set up as contributors in a 10-man rotation, with Erik Spoelstra having shown a willingness to go deeper into his bench during the regular season.
Q: Tyler Herro as the Heat’s best reserved ever? Bro, that’s a stretch. Let’s see him get it done in the playoffs. – Forth.
A: First, the hardware, alone, says plenty, with Tyler Herro being named last season’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Thus the designation in my “5 at 35? series celebrating the team’s 35th anniversary. And he has done it in the playoffs, when you reflect back on the 2020 run through the NBA Finals. No, he is not the ultimate two-way bench presence of say a Shane Battier or James Posey. But in a sixth-man role, scoring means plenty, and Tyler already in his young career has accomplished plenty in that regard.
