ASK IRA: Is Kel’el Ware’s performance in Heat’s summer league becoming concerning?

Q: Ira, after watching both summer-league games, combined with the last quarter, of the past season I don’t really see the promise of Kel’el Ware. Honestly, the idea of a total restart makes a lot of sense. I get Heat management doesn’t believe in a reset, but the team is in the same place as pre-Dwyane Wade. What’s your opinion of this idea? – Jim, Moorseville, N.C.

A: When it comes to Kel’el Ware, the difference between expectation and production during the first two games of summer league has been stark. All summer coach Eric Glass sought was nothing short of domination. For his part, Kel’el has delivered far less. Now, if there is a major deal to bring in a star (not that there appears to be), it would be difficult to oversell Kel’el’s growth curve. Granted, playoff starters typically do not directly move into summer league. But Kel’el, to a degree, had been gifted that starting role by default. Be it Wednesday night’s finale of the California Classic in San Francisco or perhaps in one of the early Heat games at the Las Vegas summer league, it certainly would be heartening to see at least one dominant performance from Kel’el. The Heat need to know more about their 2024 first-round pick before they can choose a lane as to what should come next for the roster.

Q: Ira, props to Pat Riley.  How did he pull this off? Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson for Norman Powell, who was a borderline All-Star last season, averaging 21.8 and .418 from 3 and he is on an expiring contract. The Heat, if they keep Andrew Wiggins, have four potential 20-point scorers plus Terry Rozier, if he can come back to add offense to the second team. – Joel, Fort Lauderdale.

A: When Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson, with all due respect to both, are the only players going out, it’s hard to look at a trade for any scorer as something other than a positive. But it also still feels like other parts will be in motion. So like much at this juncture of the offseason, stay turned. Even with the luxury-tax issue, alone, it feels like at least one more move is coming.

Q: I like the addition of Norman Powell. He will be a contributor.  Also, I think Andrew Wiggins could have a good year. With Wiggins, Powell, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell, there will be a little room for the younger players. I am hoping for a good season of 40-plus wins even if there are no more changes. – Roland, Borrego Springs, Calif.

A: Can Norman Powell take the Heat from 37 to 41 wins, sure? But the hope is that the target is something more substantive. Yes, Norman Powell is a very nice player. But it’s not as if last season’s Heat were one nice player away. A key remains growth from within, including from Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic and even Jaime Jaquez Jr.