Q: Does this imply that Caleb Martin will start at power forward for our team? – Eddie.
A: I suppose it does on July 7. However, with the start of training camp still almost three months away, players like Kevin Durant, John Collins, and Myles Turner seem to be on the table. Additionally, first-round pick Nikola Jovic still has time to continue sweeping the globe (or not). Caleb Martin’s acquisition added depth and insurance, respectively. Additionally, it once more demonstrated the Heat’s commitment to player development and their willingness to reward hard workers (although the rewarding this time was not to Tyler Johnson levels). However, I can also appreciate the apprehension that comes with a starting front line that includes Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Martin. The Heat might still need to go further.
Q: three-year contract with Caleb Martin seems to put the Durant rumor to rest, don’t you think? – Palm Beach Gardens, Bill
A: Certainly not. Given that exception money would not have been involved, I’m not sure how the Caleb Martin agreement relates to acquiring Kevin Durant. The fact that Caleb will cost the Heat $6.5 million for the upcoming season keeps them under the hard-cap limit, which makes it simpler to execute a potential trade. It’s not like the Heat declared that Durant was no longer necessary because they had Caleb. The elements that could have been used to support Durant are still elements that could be used. And one thing about Caleb is that he has proven to be able to play well with a range of players.
Q: Rather than just standing in the corner, Nikola Jovic needs to move around in the weight room and without the ball. He does possess excellent passing instincts. He seems to stand to gain from spending time and improving his game in the G League. – Joel.
A: With its somewhat helter-skelter offensive strategy, the G League might actually be counterproductive in this rare instance. Udonis Haslem might be able to provide the same kind of tutoring that he did with Omer Yurtseven last season if he decides to return for another season. Further, continuity with Malik could be advantageous because he serves as Erik Spoelstra’s assistant and the big-man coach for the Heat. At 19, it might be preferable to let Jovic get used to South Florida rather than Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the home of the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
