Q: Can we all agree that “leaning into their youth” is a euphemism for tanking? – Harvey.
A: No, because if your youth is what you believe it can be, then winning still can be the result. The Heat did not draft Kasparas Jakucioinis, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic with an eye on defeat. In fact, if such a “lean into youth” is the plan, then it is one predicated on winning with those aforementioned first-round picks. What leaning into youth means is not falling into the trap of taking the known from the likes of Kevin Love, Terry Rozier or, if he returns, Alec Burks. It means playing through the learning curves of the young players, but with expectations of growth from those young players. The reality is that if the Heat get what they think they can get out of Jakucionis, Ware, Jaquez and Jovic, they will be, at minimum, a play-in team. So, no, not the same as tanking and lining up alongside the Wizards and Nets.
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Q: Kasparas Jakučionis looks completely lost. It seems like it’s going to be a long time, if ever, before he’d be ready to contribute in an NBA game. This is not a player ready to play in the NBA this season. Are you concerned with what you’ve seen in the first two summer games? Do you expect him to spend the season in the G League? – Brian.
A: Because you always judge an entire career arc based on the initial two summer appearances. Kiddingly, when I spoke after the summer opener to Eric Glass, the assistant coach who is guiding the Heat summer roster, I joked about how Kasparas Jakučionis’ career clearly is headed nowhere after Saturday’s struggle. Um, perhaps we wait at least a week . . . or two . . . or for the start of training camp . . . or for the preseason? When you draft a player at 19, there is plenty of time for growth. It will get better. With time. And only with time.
Q: So is it panic time for the Heat? Unless I am mistaken, the only guards on the roster are Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell, Terry Rozier and Kasparas Jakucionis (who will probably spend most of his time in the G League). They better hope that Rozier has a comeback year or pick someone else up, or they are in a heap of trouble. That protected lottery pick is looking huge for them. – Joel, Fort Lauderdale.
A: So we’re really doing this a week into July? Really? For years, the Heat did not draft young because it was all about being ready for the moment, in the moment. Times have changed. You bank on growth and development. Kasparas Jakučionis will be just fine. Seriously. But perhaps we give him more than a week? Also, don’t count out Pelle Larsson when considering Heat backcourt options this coming season. There is something real there.