Q: Ira, why can’t the Heat do to Milwaukee what they did in the bubble? They had Giannis Antetokounmpo figured out and we saw Friday that Playoff Jimmy Butler remains a thing. We’re going back to the Finals. – Eddie.
A: And there is nothing wrong with believing and with dreaming. So if this bursts your bubble, I apologize in advance. But since the Heat got past the Bucks in 2020 at Disney, they were summarily swept by Milwaukee the following postseason in the first round. Giannis Antetokounmpo has gotten better as a player since then, and the Bucks have gotten better as a team. I agree that Playoff Jimmy still is capable of swinging a game, but I’m not sure that this is a series Jimmy Butler can swing. So take it one step at a time. First show you can win one, preferably before Game 4, then move forward from there. There is a reason one team enters as a No. 1 seed and the other as No. 8. The disparity between the teams has been that significant this season.
Q: Hello, Ira. I know there are lots of Heat fans that would have rather had the Heat lose the play-in to be better positioned in this year’s upcoming draft. Though I understand the logic behind the opinion, I think that it’s flawed in the sense that it would have limited the Heat’s attractiveness to upcoming free agents and/or potential trade targets, who may be looking to join a team that has a chance to compete for a championship. Neither last year’s pick in Nikola Jovic nor a player selected in this upcoming draft will help this team win a championship during Jimmy Butler’s window. I’m not advocating to sacrifice the future for the present moment, but what I am saying is that winning attracts winners. – Carlos, West Park.
A: You make an interesting point. Because at the buyout deadline, the Heat hardly were an A-list contender, which might have proven limiting with their signing possibilities. Still, I’m not sure that Friday’s victory over a 40-42 Bulls team necessarily changes the mind of free agents or players poised to force trades. Still, you’re talking about a team that has had sustained playoff success, no state income tax, optimal in-season weather and the triumvirate of a respected team president, owner and coach.
Q: Is a Kyle Lowry revival about to happen? – James.
A: We’re about to see, with no better stage for Kyle Lowry to redeem himself, and no better stage for the Heat to reestablish his value. Of course, there remains that pesky issue of his ongoing knee pain.
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