ASK IRA: Will social media prove to be Tyler Herro’s post-Heat undoing?

Q: Ira, you gave Tyler Herro a free pass. He called out a teammate who had been nothing but respectful. I’m not for violence or confrontation, and Bam Adebayo could have handled it better, but sometimes you have to swat a pest aside. – Eddie.

A: The approach in the piece you cite was to allow Tyler Herro to address his Heat tenure in his own words. To the overall point of the incident, the best outcome would be if it gets Tyler Herro off social media. Yes, players have every right to be their own voice on social media. And no, no one can tell them otherwise once they reach the professional level. But the undeniable is that Tyler’s approach on social-media drew unneeded attention and created unnecessary ire. You have an issue with someone? Tell them. Keep it in house. Yes, there are many in the sports realm who have increased their exposure and marketing through social media. But when it gets snippy, only a few can get away with it. Kevin Durant is an example of that. But Kevin Durant also has earned more than half a billion dollars in NBA salary over his career. If Tyler Herro wants to get his money, such as with his impending extension window, then arguably the less said, the better.

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Q: Ira, could the Heat sell LeBron James on a one-and-not-done? Could they pitch that he comes back to the Heat to win another championship and then do the farewell tour with Cleveland? – Michael, Port St. Lucie.

A: They could, but they won’t. Because they’re not pitching. This is all about – and only about – what LeBron James chooses. To your greater point, it is interesting that the Heat would be more than willing to take LeBron for a single season as he takes it year-to-year. With Bam Adebayo under his extension and Giannis Antetokounmpo about to get his extension, one might think a priority would be longer-term rotation continuity. But when you get the opportunity at LeBron, you have to seize it.

Q: Would the addition of LeBron James be a more significant “Big Three” than the James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh combo? I think James 2.0 would play the Wade role and Bam is much stronger than Bosh and Giannis is Giannis. They would be a force not only in the East but in the entire league.  – Jorge, Ponte Vedra Beach.

A: Let’s not all undersell that during the Heat’s Big Three era, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all were in their primes. That matters, as well. Having the best players when those players are at their best tends to settle most arguments. Now, Giannis and LeBron of five years ago? Then we can debate.