Q: The Heat remind me of Muhammad Ali, make you think you have a chance, but then you are all punched out and Ali knocks you out in the late rounds. -- Martin.
A: Which might work against Joe Bugner and the Bucks, but it is a dangerous game for the Heat to try to play in later rounds, when opponents such as the Knicks or Pacers will be better suited to match them blow for bow.
Q: I am not complaining. The Heat are up 2-0 against Milwaukee. But can't we see more of Mike Miller? When his shot is falling, fans fill the arena with the same energy we see from Birdman and Norris Cole. Miller can easily run off five or six threes in a row. In last year's NBA Finals, he basically destroyed any chance of OKC winning Game 5. Miller also rebounds and has an uncanny ability to make plays by being in the right place on the court. He is a fan favorite and healthy now. In practice, Miller doesn't miss. It seems unfathomable that such a pure shooter (nothing but net) doesn't get to play more often. I heard one fan say play him instead of Udonis Haslem. Why can't Spoelstra move to a ten-man rotation? -- Stuart.
A: Because it ain't broke, that's why. And getting Ray Allen and Shane Battier confidence in these early games could pay greater dividends than perhaps even Mike can provide later. And even Mike appreciates that.
APRIL 23, 2013
Q: Will the Heat have to yell at Mario Chalmers more if we are going to repeat? It seemed to work wonders last year. -- Sal, Coral Springs.
A: Mario certainly was all over the place in Game 1 against the Bucks, especially with his defense. But I'm not sure there are many guards in the league who can consistently keep Brandon Jennings in front of them. What is needed from Mario is a modicum of consistency. While the Heat can get past the Bucks with the combination of Mario/Wario, something more reliable will be required once the level of competition rises this postseason.
Q: If Birdman wants to, can the Heat offer him the veteran-minimum for next season, like what they offered to Rashard Lewis this season? -- M.J., Rome.
A: Sure, but Chris Andersen, as an impending unrestricted free agent also has the right to shop his services starting July 1.
Q: Novelty uniforms are fun in the regular season, but only the main three uniforms should be worn in the playoffs. -- I.B.H.
A: I agree, with the Heat switching so often between their road reds and blacks that it's difficult to tell which is the primary road uniform (technically the black uniforms). But the Heat have already sold plenty of those, so now the kids can get you to drain the wallet one more time. (Actually, since the "White Hot" uniforms are rather basic, just get a white T-shirt, a black Sharpie, cut off the sleeves and make your own "White Hot" jersey. I'm sure no one will be able to tell the difference.)
APRIL 22, 2013
Q: I already knew Erik Spoelstra wouldn't change the starting lineup. Well, that's on him if they don't repeat as champions. -- Queen.
A: First, the possibility of Spoelstra changing lineups and going with Shane Battier instead of Udonis Haslem was never anything more than media speculation (myself included). But even then, it was pointed out (here and elsewhere) when you win 37 of your final 39 regular-season games, there's also plenty of merit in the status quo. That doesn’t mean there might not be further adjustment, particularly now if Larry Sanders, going forward, is going to be guarding Udonis instead of Chris Bosh. Still, Udonis only played 17 minutes Sunday, so there still were plenty of times that Milwaukee's big men had to pick their poison. Erik will change only if the Bucks force him into that position, which doesn't appear likely based on how Game 1 went.
Q: So let's get this straight, Mike Miller averages roughly 13 points a game for three weeks and earns no playing time? -- Bo.
A: Um, perhaps I might have missed something. But the Heat did win Sunday's opener 110-87. So Spoelstra made a mistake with his rotation how? In fact, save for Shane Battier being off with his shot, just about everyone who played in the primary rotation had their moments. This is who the Heat are, a team of quality depth. Perhaps the consternation should be for the Bucks not playing Samuel Dalembert or not even having Drew Gooden active.
Q: Chris Andersen has become the Heat's Dennis Rodman. We've got to get him on a two-year deal this summer. He's a major piece. -- D.J.
