Miami, FL
ASK IRA: Will Jimmy Butler’s sparring turn into something more with the Heat?
Q: We’ve been hearing lots of Jimmy Butler trade rumors and lots of contract-extension rumors, but I’ve yet to hear anything about how Jimmy’s injured knee rehab is coming along. With the Celtics waltzing through the injury-riddled Eastern Conference to the NBA Finals, I would like nothing better than to see a “Celtic nightmare” Jimmy Butler revenge tour (with the Miami Heat) next season. – Greg, Jacksonville.
A: Jimmy Butler’s knee injury never was considered a long-term issue, with plans, in fact, to have returned had the Heat made a deeper playoff run. Based on Jimmy’s coast-to-coast whirlwind since the end of the Heat season, including stops the past week at WNBA games, I would not be overly concerned about the knee issue standing as a long-term concern. And based on his comments at a recent Sparks game and the No. 22 looking good in Los Angeles colors, clearly he already has begun his offseason verbal sparring sessions. It should be a very fun July ahead.
Q: Ira, has any player ever been more in the right place at the right time than Markieff Morris? He won the 2020 title against the Heat in the bubble with the Lakers and now can add another ring with Dallas. It would be funny if he winds up with more bling than Joker. – Sid.
A: But NBA Finals history is replete with unlikely ring winners. Earl Barron, Wayne Simien and Dorell Wright won rings with the Heat in 2006, with Eddie Curry, Dexter Pittman, Ronny Turiaf, Jarvis Varnado and Terrell Harris winning rings with the Heat during the Big Three era. There is plenty to be said about being in the right place at the right time. For all Markieff Morris went through with missed time after taking that shove from Nikola Jokic (albeit with some instigation of his own), there at least is the consolation of ancillary bling.
Q: Ira, how much stock do the Heat put in these draft workouts. I’m sure plenty of Heat players look good in practice and then never match that in games. – Tim.
A: Based on the degree of scouting and video available, actual performance in the sessions likely is second to the work ethic, diligence and competitiveness. Yes, it might sound trite to some, but the Heat do try to sort out potential fit with the team’s culture. Several players have struggled in their Heat pre-draft workouts only to thrive during their Heat careers, with Dwyane Wade at the top of that list.
Joe Lunardi’s has released his second early predictions his 2025 NCAA Tournament projections and he has the Hurricanes as an eighth seed.
The Miami Hurricanes missed the tournament last season, after finishing the previous year in the Final Four. That year they lost to eventual champions UConn Huskies and had most of its roster either was drafted in the NBA, graduated, or transfered. This season they have a chance to return with an impressive resume.
The Hurricanes in Lunardi’s first prediction had the Jim Larrañaga lead squad as a sixth seed before dropping them in the recent predictions. The Hurricanes have many expectations to come back after their disappointing season. This could be the chance to get back in toe national light for what they can be.
No games scheduled.
No results.
66 Days.
X(Twitter): @CanesCentralSI
Facebook: CanesCentral on SI
On Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium, the Kansas City Royals (43-37) are set to face the Miami Marlins (27-51). With the Royals currently in contention for an AL Wild Card spot, every game holds significant weight as they aim to build on their recent successes against a lower-ranked opponents.
Seth Lugo takes the mound for Kansas City, boasting an impressive 10-2 record with a stellar 2.42 ERA and 87 strikeouts. Lugo’s consistency and dominance on the mound have been instrumental for the Royals this season, providing stability in crucial games.
The Marlins will counter with Yonny Chirinos, who recently joined their roster. Chirinos brings a 0-0 record and a 3.60 ERA with six strikeouts. His role in Miami’s rotation marks an opportunity for him to establish himself and contribute to the Marlins’ efforts to disrupt the Royals’ offense.
BE SURE TO REFRESH YOUR BROWSER FOR THE LATEST UPDATES
(most recent at the top)
Second Inning:
First Inning:
Pregame:
First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m. CTD.
Twitter – RoyalsCentralFN
Facebook – RoyalsCentral
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Miami Dolphins fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Miami Dolphins are about a month away from training camp starting, bringing together the full roster and starting the build-up toward the 2024 NFL season. This year’s roster saw some major changes as players like defensive lineman Christian Wilkins and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel left in free agency while the team signed free agency defensive lineman Calais Campbell and drafted edge rusher Chop Robinson. It has been a busy offseason in South Florida.
Was it enough? Where are your concerns about the team and the roster they have built? We bring back our SB Nation Reacts fan poll today to get your thoughts on the Dolphins’ roster. We want to know where you think the biggest hole remaining on Miami’s roster is.
Vote in the poll below and head to the comments to share why you voted the way you did. We will be back with the results later this week.
Living with PFAS in Metro Detroit
Bill Maher sounds alarm on immigration chaos: It'll get Dems 'f—ed on Election Day'
''Everything Is Mega Cheap'': Entrepreneur Shares Perks Of Living In Bengaluru Over San Francisco
2025 NCAA Tournament Projections Has Miami As An Eighth Seed; First Alert: June 25, 2024
Dallas charter amendment plan is a progressive mess
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
At least 2 dead as tornadoes hit Alabama, damage homes across Southeast
Mike Kennedy advances past crowded GOP primary to secure nomination for open Utah House seat
France elections: Germans prepare for seismic change in EU politics
Iowa floodwaters breach levees as even more rain dumps onto parts of the Midwest
Fox News Politics: Trump Ungagged…Kinda
A right to drink? Inside the debate to protect US workers against the heat
-
News1 week agoIt's easy to believe young voters could back Trump at young conservative conference
-
World1 week agoSwiss summit demands 'territorial integrity' of Ukraine
-
World1 week agoProtesters in Brussels march against right-wing ideology
-
News1 week agoA fast-moving wildfire spreads north of Los Angeles, forcing evacuations
-
World1 week agoAl-Qaeda affiliate claims responsibility for June attack in Burkina Faso
-
Movie Reviews1 week agoShort Film Review: Willow and Wu (2024) by Kathy Meng
-
News1 week agoMass shooting at Rochester Hills splash pad: Everything we know
-
Movie Reviews1 week agoMovie Review: Top 5 Movies to Watch This Father's Day June 16, 2024 –