Should Heat priority be newcomers or continued development?

Unlike past additions of declining veterans over 30 (Amar'e Stoudemire, Joe Johnson, Luol Deng, Shawne Williams, Danny Granger, Rashard Lewis, Shannon Brown), this year's pickups are in mid-20s or younger, suited for upbeat pace and intense defenders. If just two or three pan out and our best prospects from last year continue to improve, we have, with great coaching, every chance to build back.  -- Jack, Fort Myers.

A: First, don't understate the contributions the past two years from Deng, who served as the type of veteran glue often needed to hold together young teams, such as the one the Heat are about to offer. And Amar'e Stoudemire and Rashard Lewis also offered quality depth when called upon. But, yes, there have been some missteps along the way. What the Heat's latest signings offer is the opportunity for a player to finally get it right. But the reality is that Wayne Ellington, James Johnson, Derrick Williams and Luke Babbitt all have had their opportunities elsewhere, so I'm not sure this is about them "panning out." In fact, what I believe this season should be about is Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson, and perhaps even the likes of Briante Weber, Rodney McGruder and some of the talent from the summer roster. Those are the players positioned to make breakthroughs. If, anything, the danger would be counting too much on journeyman veterans (even if they're younger than 30) at the cost of minutes for the Heat's true prospects.

Q: Hi, Ira. I'm from the Philippines and I'm a Heat fan since 1997. LeBron James stated that he wants Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony on one team. Is Miami targeting those four players next season? -- Joseph, Philippines.

A: I can't fathom that happening with the Heat after the bitter breakups with James and Wade. But based on their banana-boat exploits and their compelling presence at the open of last week's ESPYs, it is clear that the four have a bond that has endured even as opponents. So, yes, I could see the four of them together at some point, but most likely only as visitors to South Florida.