ASK IRA: Why did Spo' stick with Chalmers?

Q: Hey Ira, why do you think Coach Spo' left Chalmers in the game during overtime, when his suspect defense is what led to overtime and yet another loss? I know Arroyo's defense isn't much better, but a switch up and veteran player could've made a difference. -- Serge.

A: I don't think either of them needed to be in, especially with Dwyane dominating the ballhandling. The problem is that Daequan Cook has fallen out of the rotation. It is among the reasons why Rafer Alston actually should be able to help. If anything, having more size against the inbounds pass would have helped, as, possibly, would have had having Dorell Wright in the game. Erik did not substitute once in the overtime.

Q: Where were the subs in the overtime against the Celtics? Why not go with D-Wright and Beasley (even if he struggled in regulation, he has more upside, second only to Wade)? -- Julio.

A: The Beasley thing is beyond confounding. One or two more baskets in regulation and there would not have been an issue. I know Udonis was playing well, but Jermaine was timid out there, bypassing shots and short on one. It doesn't always have to be either/or with Beasley and Haslem. Michael might not be a three, but Udonis can be a five.

Q: Ira, don't you think the average fan and media member is more than a bit too hard on young players such as Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers (particularly Beasley)? As second-year players, I hardly think they have reached full maturity as basketball players and maximized their potential. Why don't we give players time to develop anymore? -- Steven.

A: The difference is the Heat also is in somewhat of a "win-now" mode, amid its hopes of retaining Dwyane Wade as a free agent. Because of that, Beasley and Chalmers, but especially Mario, have been asked to do more than they might be ready for. With Michael, it's more a case of not being afforded ample on-the-job training. Yes, there is upside. But when you ask if there is patience, can there be from this team at this stage?

Q: Six-tenths of a second seemed like an awfully small amount of time for what transpired against the Celtics at the buzzer. It seemed like by the time the ball got into Rondo's hands, at least a second had passed. How does it work? Do the .6 seconds only start when the ball has reached a player's hands? Or as soon as the ball leaves the passer? -- Moshe.

A: It is when the ball is touched. And replay showed Rondo easily beat the clock.

Q: Considering Alston had interest from Cleveland, a title contender, what was the decisive factor for Alston to choose Miami? -- Justin.

A: From the moment he left here, he has always wanted to return. Plus, in Cleveland he would have been no better than a backup to Mo Williams. Here he will be there starter within the next 48 to 72 hours.