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ASK IRA: Are Heat asking too much of LeBron? - Sun-Sentinel (blog)

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Q: With another season playing undersized and using LeBron James in the post, aren't we going to wear him down? Pat Riley will cut LeBron's career by five years by making him play the entire front line. -- Jeffrey, Fort Lauderdale.

A: Or allow him to get five more championships. LeBron saw that the approach worked, so do you honestly think he is going to balk now? For years, coaches have been trying to get LeBron in the post; now he appears to want to be there. I don't see how it cuts his career short, when he's bigger than almost anyone he plays outside of his fleeting minutes at center.

Q: What is your gut feeling on the Heat's chances of signing a free agent who will make a significant contribution next year?  Money seems to drive most free agent's decisions, not rings. -- Joel.

A: But it only takes one signing to make a difference, and sometimes it's not the sexiest choice, as Shane Battier showed this past season. Whether it is Ray Allen or Jamal Crawford or Chris Kaman or someone else, I would almost guarantee that the Heat's $3.1 million taxpayer mid-level exception will result in someone who makes a difference. The Heat, as champions, can be discerning.

Q: I know management can't say names of who they want until free agency starts, but can players? What about LeBron's tweet about Ray Allen? -- Martin, Boca Raton.

A: That actually was LeBron tweeting about his son's questions about Ray Allen, and David Stern wouldn't dare fine a precocious five-year-old, would he?

Q: Why is Pat Riley talking about Eddy Curry coming back? Didn't the Heat make clear what they thought about him by not playing him? -- Bruce, Coconut Creek.

A: Because Pat was trying to do the politically correct thing. I can't fathom Eddy coming back, or even wanting to come back.

Q: I mean no disrespect to Mike Miller, he was huge in our last Finals game, however his health has been an issue since day one. Are you just a bit surprised he is part of the future? -- Chet.

A: I believe they're basically still trying to hang on to hope. But, as with Eddy, there is no reason for Riley, the same week as a championship celebration, to denigrate anyone on the roster.

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