ASK IRA: Do the Heat have a Kyle Lowry problem?

Q: I never write you, but I was at the game Wednesday night. At what point do we admit that Kyle Lowry is simply an ineffective starter? They closed within four points and he shoots two threes that did not come close to the basket on a 1-for-7 night. He was off all night. He was not defensive, not offensive. He is a veteran and has to know better. Feed Max Strus or Tyler Herro. This is not one game, it was all of last year. something is wrong there. Love Pat Riley, love Erik Spoelstra, but please start Gabe Vincent, who knows his role. – Jessie.

A:The Heat have way too much invested in Kyle Lowry to have him as anything but a big-minutes, big-time contributor. Say what you want about Kyle’s age or injury in last season’s playoffs, but when you have $58 million committed to him over these next two seasons, you had darn well better get a return on that investment. He needs to be a lot better than he was Wednesday. A lot. And, yes, at that price point it is reasonable to have an expectation of him being an every-night player. At $85 million over three years, an expectation of greatness does not seem unreasonable. And while the Heat are a meritocracy, and while Gabe Vincent had his moments in last season’s playoffs, if Kyle Lowry is not a lot better than seen in the playoffs or on Wednesday night, then this suddenly stands as a house of cards. But, yes, it is early. And Kyle was a quality contributor last season before stepping away from the team. He needs to get back to that. I would think he would agree.

Q: Didn’t understand the desperation to trade Goran Dragic for Kyle Lowry. Lowry certainly didn’t help change that thought against the Bulls. – Marc, Arlington, Texas.

A: And that’s not even getting into the Precious Achiuwa portion of that trade with the Raptors during the 2021 offseason. Precious arrives Friday and Monday with the Raptors to FTX Arena. So there will be another opportunity to take stock of that 2021 offseason trade with Toronto.

Q: Hmm, P.J. Tucker playing 33 minutes, with six points, no assists, four rebounds. I guess playing with James Harden and Joel Embiid you don’t get a lot of touches? – Jack, Valencia, Spain.

A: If nothing else, the lesson that should be taken from the one season with P.J. Tucker is you can never judge him on his statistics. And he certainly does not require touches. Keep in mind, he averaged five shots a game last season with the Heat, a total he matched in his Tuesday night debut with the 76ers against the Celtics. Of all the concerns there might be with the 76ers after that game, P.J. Tucker is not one of them.

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