ASK IRA: Are Heat setting up Caleb Martin as their playoff stopper?
Q: Sitting Caleb Martin was smart. We need him against Jalen Brunson. – Dave.
A: It will be interesting to see who winds up being cast as the Heat’s designated wing stopper during the postseason. An argument certainly could be made for Jimmy Butler, but that is a lot to ask from a player you also are counting on as your closer. So it well could be Caleb Martin given the role of stopper. But Haywood Highsmith, if he continues as an offensive contributor, also could be envisioned in such a role. What matters most is Caleb getting closer to 100 percent, even if that means also sitting out Tuesday against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks.
Q: Ira, with Duncan Robinson back, we’ve seen the last of Patty Mills and Delon Wright, right? – Barry.
A: First, that comes off as way too cold. Both will remain with the team and both will be on the postseason roster, which is why they signed in the first place. And while Duncan Robinson assuredly has a place in the postseason roster, the Heat still are in a wait-and-see mode with Tyler Herro, who could return as soon as this week. For now, the givens in a postseason rotation would be Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin and Herro, when available. From there, Kevin Love would make it seven deep if a second big man is needed. So if the Heat only go with an eight-man primary rotation, you’re looking at Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Haywood Highsmith as potential outsiders. So, no, it would appear there would not be assured postseason roles for either Patty Mills or Delon Wright., who played well Sunday in Washington. They likely will wind up as spectators, along with Thomas Bryant and Orlando Robinson, unless injuries change the calculus. (With Josh Richardson out for the season.)
Q: So now we have to worry about Terry Rozier’s knee? – Wes.
A: The concern would be far greater if Terry Rozier did not make it back the same quarter he left, both out and then in during that third period in Washington. After being an outsider to a playoff race in Charlotte, Terry is not about to let this opportunity to get away. He started strong Sunday and finished strong.