MIAMI — Q: Ira, It's obviously a poor time to judge the Heat given all the current injuries, but what the heck. I believe they will make the playoffs. Getting into the second round is a reasonable goal. Nevertheless, I do see them at a crossroads, given the age and diminishing top-end potential skills of so many players. The question driving decisions is how reasonable is it to expect them to get better next year or beyond? When I look at the current roster, I see at least six players, conservatively, who simply will not get better, including Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. The real crossroad issue is what is the core to build around? This team plus a max player in addition to Hassan Whiteside? Or to look to build the next core group? As a Patriots fan, Bill Belichick sets the standard for players' longevities. He is always ready to trade virtually anyone with a year or so left on that player's career. And while Pat Riley seems to be more loyal to Heat players than Belichick is to his, it's impossible to not have faith that he will make the moves "in the best interest of the team." -- Dick, Rhode Island.