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ASK IRA: Was now-retired Josh Richardson the Heat’s best-ever second-round value?
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- ASK IRA: Was now-retired Josh Richardson the Heat’s best-ever second-round value?
Q: Josh Richardson was a good guy and a good Heat story when he arrived, wish him nothing but the best in his retirement. – Doug.
A: He was and he was. Remember, in that 2015 draft, Josh Richardson, who announced his retirement this week , went No. 40 in the second round to the Heat, with Justise Winslow going No. 10 to the Heat in that draft's first round. There is no question that Josh had the better career, with Justise's lack of an outside shot ultimately ending his NBA tenure not by his own doing. Josh long has had interests outside of the game with his music background and simply was able to decide to step away on his own terms. When it comes to Heat value picks in the second round, Josh, at No. 40 in 2015, is right up there with Grant Long at No. 33 in 1988, Sherman Douglas at No. 28 in 1989, Matt Geiger at No. 42 in 1992, Rasual Butler at No. 53 in 2002, Mario Chalmers at No. 34 in 2008, Patrick Beverley at No. 42 in 2009 and Pelle Larsson at No. 44 in 2024.
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Q: Ira when should we expect the next batch of signings? – Bruce.
A: It's all a game of dominos and could come down to the buyout market, as teams wait for the likes of Klay Thompson , D'Angelo Russell and, possibly, Zach LaVine to potentially hit the buyout market. I'm not sure there is any player the Heat would consider "got away" if they sign elsewhere. For now, the Heat are positioned to be able to sign any player to the minimum while still having the maximum share of their exception money (about $7 million) to utilize in a trade or on the buyout market.
Q: Who do you expect to be opening night starters? – Miles.
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A: Don't know, since the fifth starter might not currently be on the roster. For now, you can circle Giannis Antetokounmpo , Bam Adebayo , Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell for four of the spots, with the fifth likely a choice, at the moment, between Tim Hardaway Jr. and Pelle Larsson. But keep in mind that DeMar DeRozan has started 1,252 of his 1,264 career regular-season appearances, last playing off the bench during his 2009-10 rookie season.
