ASK IRA: Does Heat draft have to be about more than a shooting star?

Are there more pressing Miami Heat priorities than a shooter in next week's NBA draft?

Q: Forget defense, we need to draft and acquire scorers. Other than Tyler Herro, when was the last time we drafted a pure shooter? – Bob, Davie.

A: First, Tyler Herro was acquired more as a scorer than a shooter. And there is a significant difference there. Finding players who can score at all three levels assuredly is worthy of a first-round pick. But if you are talking about shooters, namely specialists who provide spacing to allow the balance of the offense to work, there are numerous paths to such complements, from unearthing post-draft (Duncan Robinson), as a low-cost free agent (Wayne Ellington) or as a developmental project (Cole Swider). And even then, the so-called “pure shooter” has to be talented enough in other facets to be able to stay on the floor (which has led to a playing-time demise with the Heat of the likes of Jason Kapono, James Jones and, even at times, Robinson).

Q: It’s Haywood Highsmith’s turn to get overpaid – S.T.

A: This was in response to the window opening Tuesday for the NBA’s internal free-agency negotiation period. But while the Heat now can talk contract with Haywood Highsmith and their own incumbent free agents, expect the team to slow play the process, amid the team’s tight position against the luxury-tax aprons. The Heat still are at a juncture where it appears the priority is to be on getting their house in order with their larger contacts. Because if there is a big move with one of those larger salaries, then flexibility could follow on multiple levels. And at that point, the Heat might be able to come up with a better number for Haywood, or even potentially meet Haywood’s number.

Q: I like Patty Mills and what he’s done with his career but both parties should move on.  Reminds me a little of Eddie House, a two-guard in a point-guard body.  Not what the Heat need in my estimation. – Douglas.

A: I do agree that the Heat need an innate point guard, which is why they went out and got Kyle Lowry in 2021. Point guard in the NBA can be like quarterback in the NBA, where the feel for the position is innate (or not). The Heat already are loaded with combo guards. Plus, a bit more length in the backcourt wouldn’t hurt either. I still would envision the Heat choice as Delon Wright over Patty, if Delon is willing to accept a minimal contract.