Miami Heat: 4 midseason questions for this middling Heat team
By Trey Flynn
No. 2 – Spoelstra said he “can’t” play Wayne Ellington. Is it the wrong decision to bench him?
Rahmeaun: Unfortunately for his fans, It does appear the correct move would be to leave him on the bench. I can’t sit up here and lie. When I first saw coach Spoelstra’s quote regarding Ellington’s playing time, I scoffed. Like a lot of Heat Nation, I was already salty that he wasn’t getting minutes after the team made such a big deal to retain him in the offseason. On top of that, coach Spoelstra is going to use the word “can’t”!? I couldn’t believe it. After some time to cool down, I considered what might be the root cause of the organization’s decisions in this matter. Of course on a team with so much depth, it’s hard to come back from injury and just reclaim your role and minutes, so I understand that. What’s especially not in Ellington’s favor is that everyone getting playing time ahead of him except Wade is younger and a part of the long term future of the team. What further complicates things, is the Heat’s salary cap situation. Given their high amount of money allocated to player salaries this season, it behooves them to make some moves before the trade deadline. The Heat must be careful when seeking trade partners though due to the collective bargaining agreement. Wayne Ellington agreed to a one year deal in the summer, but because the team was already over the cap, they had to do so using his Bird rights. Whenever Bird rights are used to sign a player to a one year deal, the player is granted veto power for any trade scenario. Meaning he can decline any trade destination as he sees fit. To ensure there’s no mess involved at the deadline, Team president Pat Riley needs to confident Ellington will agree to go to the team he has lined up. It may also be in his best interest to just stay put and wait until free agency to find a new team.
Imran: It’s tough having a guy who can light it up from behind the arc the way that Wayne Ellington does and not play him on a nightly basis. The Man With The Golden Arm was someone the entire Heat Nation rallied around last year. His career year was completely incredible to watch, even at times when it seemed like there was nothing to cheer for.
But in all honesty, who does he take minutes from? He’s a liability on defense, he’s 31 years old, and he’s on a one-year deal that will most likely result in him leaving the Heat to join a contender. Does the incredible three-point shooting outweigh those downsides and the fact that you’ll have to bench a younger player to give him minutes? With Rodney McGruder being a complete hound on the defensive side of the ball, Dwyane Wade on his retirement tour, Dion Waiters coming back from injury, and Derrick Jones (who is technically not a guard) showing out this year, can you really validate cutting someone’s time for Mr.Ellington?