ASK IRA: Is keeping Eddie House good for the Heat?

Q: Ira, I read your story about Eddie House. You seem to be writing that it was good he came back. — Ed. A: What I wrote was it gives the Heat a better sense of their roster heading into the lockout, now with nine players under contract for 2011-12 (if there is a 2011-12), plus the right to match offers to Mario Chalmers and a tender in place to first-round pick Norris Cole. More significantly, it leaves the Heat with at least a pair of quality 3-point threats (Mike Miller and House) in the wake of James Jones opting out of his contract. Q: How much will the lockout hurt the Heat? — Juan. A: Right now, not much, beyond retarding the development of end-of-roster prospects such as Norris Cole and Dexter Pittman. A lockout, by itself, is not a crisis for the Heat. A lengthy lockout is another story. Q: I was really impressed with the way Bosh carried himself this season. I think he has the potential to be the leader of this team. Could you see the Heat elevating Bosh to cap...