ASK IRA: Readers have spoken (at least these readers) and they want Heat put out of their misery

A bit of a change in the formatics today with a strong sentiment having emerged in the wake of the Heat play-in loss to the Hawks.

Q: Hey Ira, This Heat season needs to be put to rest. I will gladly cheer for the team to win on Friday night, but a loss will signal a makeover is needed. We must get more skill, length and athleticism. – David, Venice.

Q: Usually I hate when the teams tank and I am happy Heat hardly ever does it. Having said that, what’s the point in making the playoffs as the No. 8 team and then getting thrashed 4-0 by the Bucks? I’d rather lose the Friday game and get a lottery pick. – Parag, Weston.

Q: Please lose on Friday and don’t even make it close. We have zero shot against Milwaukee and the difference between picking No. 14 and No. 20 is monumental. We can get a starting point guard or power forward, could even get a center with range and let Bam Adebayo play free. We don’t have the capital for a blockbuster trade without gutting a pick. The draft, this draft, is our only way back. – Brian, Fort Lauderdale.

Q: Just get us a lottery pick instead. – Zion.

Q: I prefer the lottery. – Majic.

Q: Gimme the lottery. – Blake.

Q: Better off losing and getting a few more ping-pong balls. – Javier.

Q: Bring on the lottery. It’s been a terrible year. – Million.

Q: Tank for sure. As sad as it is, I would rather put us out of our misery. – Nia.

Q: They need to lose and just save themselves and further embarrassment in the playoffs. – Robert.

Q: Might as well go for the lottery. They will get swept by the Bucks with this roster. – Paolo.

A: When the going gets tough . . . Heat Nation turns to the lottery? Again, if the Heat lose Friday and go to the lottery, you’re talking a one-half-of-one-percent chance of moving up to the No. 1 pick, and not much better odds of securing a Top 4 pick. As for a victory Friday and a move into the playoffs camouflaging this team’s warts? Heat management is well aware, based on what has transpired to this point, that change is needed. And, yes, it would be the longest of longshots to get past the Bucks. But, first, players don’t tank. That’s a management means of securing a higher draft. And it’s not as if Pat Riley or Micky Arison are going to tell Erik Spoelstra to sit key players. If the Heat lose Friday, it is because they’re not good enough. Which well may be the case. Who are the Heat? Friday we’ll see if they’re up to even the most minimal of challenges.