ASK IRA: Do the Heat need to look externally for depth in the middle?

Q: Ira, the Heat have a serious shortage in big men as a result of Dewayne Dedmon destined to sit on the bench, Omer Yurtseven out and Udonis Haslem in essence only as a mental support. – Simon,South Palm Beach.

A: Agree. And for all that Orlando Robinson has done to help keep the Heat afloat, arguably producing beyond expectation, it would appear there will have to be something better for the playoff rotation. That could potentially be Omer Yurtseven if his recovery timetable from ankle surgery allows. Otherwise, the Heat, through their history, have added veteran big men as the playoffs approach, and that well could be the move when the needed money becomes available below the luxury tax. So perhaps we’re talking about who will be the next Ronny Turiaf. The buyout market typically offers up some intriguing names. And if not, perhaps Tristian Thompson steps back from his new TV role.

Q: Duncan Robinson is still injured, he has been a more reliable shooter than Max Strus. – Aviv, Miami.

A: And then came Friday night against the Magic. I still believe that Max Strus’ shooting will move toward his mean, which is certainly at a percentage higher than where he has been most of this season. There is a reason Erik Spoelstra has been rolling with him late in games lately.

Q: Teams which haven’t won a title recently, such as the Nets, Sixers, Celtics, are also in win-now modes. In other words, there’s no shortage of teams which are extremely motivated to snag a ring this season. Are the Heat hungrier than them? – Leonard, Cornelius, N.C.

A: Yes, perhaps, but also perhaps less talented. For the Heat to play at such a level, it could well require higher degrees of precision, effort and perhaps even availability than what some of those other teams require. Out-talenting the top of the East likely is not the path for the Heat to get near the top of the East.

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