ASK IRA: Will Heat’s Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson cash in during playoffs?

Q: Ira, how much of an audition will the next week or two be for young, pending free-agents Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson? Certainly, they’re aware of the importance of their performances, given the advanced age of much of the Heat roster while playing in a salary-capped league? — Gabriel, Miami.

A: Of the two, I would think a strong playoff showing would mean more for Kendrick Nunn, considering how he was limited in last year’s postseason after a rough run with pandemic protocols. Basically, we have yet to see playoff Kendrick Nunn. Duncan Robinson, by contrast, has two solid seasons of performance that have created a definitive resume. Until the past month, the sense was that Duncan would get paid as an elite free agent, while Kendrick would receive something more in line with exception money. But Kendrick has upped the ante, including his 31-point performance Saturday in Milwaukee. If he can back that up in the series against the Bucks, he possibly could push his price point to a level that creates pause for Pat Riley and the Heat. So, yes, there is money to be made in the playoffs for Kendrick.

Q: I would start with the lineup we usually do, but if Kendrick Nunn doesn’t play well, then switch him for Goran Dragic. Same with Duncan Robinson. If he doesn’t play well, then switch him for Tyler Herro. Tyler has been playing really well recently and playoff Tyler is back. — Santiago.

A: But you also don’t want to make it look like your are panicking. While I certainly could see Goran Dragic taking an increased role, I’m not sure the Heat would do anything at this stage when it comes to changing Duncan Robinson’s role. There has been too much enduring success to tinker with Duncan’s function at this stage.

Q: Ira, you missed one important X-factor in your Heat-vs.-Bucks matchup, pressure. The pressure for the Bucks in this series will be off the charts. As Jrue Holiday said, they have more talent, the owner said that’s the matchup they wanted. The Bucks simply have to win this series. If the Heat lose, you can excuse it for different reasons. The Bucks can’t. — Rod, Sarasota.

A: Completely agree. But if the Bucks are anything close to what they say they are, what they think they are, then they can’t fold to pressure in a first-round series. Giannis Antetokounmpo said Thursday, “Pressure is earned, and I love it.” So now we wait, and either move on or melt down.