Q: Ira, I’m a big Max Strus fan and I really admire the way he played his way into the starting lineup last year. I think his toughness and ability to space the floor was a big reason for our team’s success. Now it looks like the starting job is being handed to Tyler Herro just because he signed a big contract. I say stick with the winning formula. – Greg, Jacksonville.
A: I agree, but mostly because it is possible that what Tyler Herro does best could get lost while playing alongside Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry. Plus, you want to balance your rotation. If you have Max Strus’ shooting in the starting lineup, then you could feature Duncan Robinson in the second unit (and if Duncan outperforms Max, then you can flip those roles). Plus, Tyler looks like he is setting up as the backup point guard, as well, which would allow him to handle more when Kyle is out of the game. None of this means Tyler can’t play as a closer, as he often did last season. But, yes, it is difficult to pay a player $30 million a year (albeit starting next season) and utilize him as a reserve.
Q: Ira, With 90% of our scoring returning, a toned Kyle Lowry, a stronger Jimmy Butler, the growth of Omer Yurtseven, and the blossoming of Jamal Cain, I still believe that Victor Oladipo will be the real difference here. Your thoughts? – Bill, Palm Beach Gardens.
A: Disagree. Based on the way both Victor Oladipo and Erik Spoelstra spoke about Victor’s preseason debut Monday night, I’m not sold on Oladipo emerging as a major contributor any time soon. Just based on the rotation, it appears Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro and Max Strus will be featured more often. As of now, that might not leave much left for Victor.
Q: How about giving Jamal Cain a shot as the power forward starter? He’s taller than Caleb Martin and the same height as Haywood Highsmith. He can get to the foul line, he’s a good defender., and he can stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting. – Joseph, Boca Raton.
A: How about we first exhale? Just making it to the rotation would be a major victory for Jamal Cain. That certainly could eventually happen, as it did last season for Caleb Martin. But keep in mind that Martin arrived on his two-way contract last season with considerable NBA experience.
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