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Some of the Heat's best play in recent games has come with Dwyane Wade at point guard, including Thursday's loss in Cleveland.
That, of course, hardly is surprising, since Wade also is the Heat's best shooting guard and, arguably, its best small forward.
What is surprising is how Erik Spoelstra routinely is turning to that option at the close of the first and third quarters.
So, could an answer finally be at hand?
To Spoelstra, only in limited doses.
"We'll see. We'll evaluate," the second-year coach said. "We've always done it a lot of times in the fourth quarter. At times, we may look to it."
But extended stretches apparently are not a direction that Spoelstra is leaning.
"In small doses, it's pretty good," Spoelstra said. "Longer doses, it can wear on him a little bit. We don't get quite as consistent movement."
The issue mostly has remained a minor one, with the thought that Wade does not view fullcourt ballhandling in his best interest.
That, however, may not be the case.
"It's something I've done over my career," he said. "In Boston, that was our best lineup, when I'm at the point, being able to make plays, attack, as well. I don't mind doing that at all."
In a season when learning about itself seemingly is as significant to the Heat as victory, perhaps it is time to go back to Wade's roots, to how he broke into the league.
That, of course, hardly is surprising, since Wade also is the Heat's best shooting guard and, arguably, its best small forward.
What is surprising is how Erik Spoelstra routinely is turning to that option at the close of the first and third quarters.
So, could an answer finally be at hand?
To Spoelstra, only in limited doses.
"We'll see. We'll evaluate," the second-year coach said. "We've always done it a lot of times in the fourth quarter. At times, we may look to it."
But extended stretches apparently are not a direction that Spoelstra is leaning.
"In small doses, it's pretty good," Spoelstra said. "Longer doses, it can wear on him a little bit. We don't get quite as consistent movement."
The issue mostly has remained a minor one, with the thought that Wade does not view fullcourt ballhandling in his best interest.
That, however, may not be the case.
"It's something I've done over my career," he said. "In Boston, that was our best lineup, when I'm at the point, being able to make plays, attack, as well. I don't mind doing that at all."
In a season when learning about itself seemingly is as significant to the Heat as victory, perhaps it is time to go back to Wade's roots, to how he broke into the league.
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It doesn't seem like there has been any final decision on it, but Spoelstra and Wade seem to at least be putting it under some consideration.
The Heat have lost 7 out of their last 8 games. Sticking with the same line up most likely will not result in a change in the record. I think the best adjustment will be to start Wade at the point.
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