ASK IRA: Could Kevin Durant trigger better Bam Adebayo offense with Heat?

Q: You posted about how if the Heat land Kevin Durant without giving up Kel’el Ware that the Heat could make it work starting those two with Bam Adebayo. And then you guys did it again, by focusing on Bam’s defense. It’s always the same story. Bam doesn’t score. Kel’el doesn’t score. So we won’t score. – Paul.

A: This Bam Adebayo-not-scoring trope is getting old. No, he might not score like a max player, not like an All-NBA player. But that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t score. In each of the last five seasons, Bam has averaged at least 18 points. including a 20.4 scoring average two seasons ago, when the Heat made it to the NBA Finals. And until this past season’s .485 (undeniably an off year after a poor start), he had shot .521 or better from the field for six consecutive seasons. Now, does he score like a small forward (which is where he arguably might have to defend alongside Durant and Ware)? No. And even at power forward, a case could be made for more offense. But with Durant and Adebayo, there would be sufficient offense on the front line to augment the offense provided by Tyler Herro from the backcourt. Yes, Bam Adebayo is not an elite scorer. But he also is more than functional in that aspect when also considering his defensive deterrence. Will Durant help? Without question, including easing the offensive burden on Bam.

Q: Is it fair to propose that Pat Riley’s age at 80 could adversely affect Heat trade deals, such as giving up Tyler Herro for Kevin Durant? – Paul, Miami.

A: First, the Heat aren’t giving up Tyler Herro for Kevin Durant. Second, there are way too many checks and balances, starting at the top from the Arisons, for Pat Riley to sorely insist on living in the moment (nor have there been any such indications). With Nick Arison having taken an active role in day-to-day operations for years, there clearly is a succession plan in place from Micky Arison to Nick Arison, and, therefore, a franchise that is taking a long view.

Q: The Heat split their four games against the Pacers this past season. Does that give a bit of hope for the Heat if they are able to make some minor adjustments to the roster and if the young players improve and stay healthy. – Joel, Fort Lauderdale.

A: First, those matchups came before the Pacers fully hit their stride. This is not the same Pacers team the Heat faced in Indiana the second week of the season, nor is it the same Pacers team by the time the four-game season series came to an end in February. That said, as previously stressed, Indiana likely will not be the team being chased next season when it comes to the regular-season standings in the East, just as the Pacers weren’t this season.