IN THE LANE

Smart touch:

Among those the Heat will catch up with during Sunday’s visit to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks is former assistant coach Keith Smart, who now is in that role on David Fizdale’s staff. Unlike with the Heat when it comes to the affable Smart, apparently Knicks players do not always look forward to such visits. In discussing how he handles his rotations, Fizdale said this past week that it typically is Smart who informs players of a possibly reduction in playing time or change in role, as has been the case with Knicks center Enes Kanter. “Keith Smart often tells the guys who’s starting, who’s not starting,” Fizdale said. “I’m not giving anybody special treatment or lower treatment. Keith Smart’s my messenger when I have to make a change.”

Mixed emotions:

During his team’s visit to American-Airlines Arena, Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers said he had mixed emotions of the impending retirement of fellow Marquette product Dwyane Wade and enduring other veterans. “Wade could play another year if he wanted to. You could clearly see that,” Rivers said of the 37-year-old guard. “It’s amazing, the league is changing quickly. I do think the league is as talented as it’s ever been.” He added, “So these guys are leaving the league in a good place.”

Classy move:

Although first-round pick Lonnie Walker has spent much of the season with the San Antonio Spurs’ G League affiliate, the Spurs made sure the former Hurricane and Pennsylvania native was with the team for their trip to Philadelphia to face the 76ers. “They wanted me to come home and see some friends and family, and I thank them for that,” Walker told San Antonio’s Express-News. Walker did not play in that game, but said he is fine following the lead of coach Gregg Popovich, “You just have to trust in Pop’s process and know that his methods are what is best for you. He’s one of the greatest coaches ever and he knows what he’s doing. I’m all in.”

Milestone moment:

Although victimized by the moment, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Brad Stevens winning his 250th game as Boston Celtics coach Monday at TD Garden spoke volumes of the team Stevens works for. “We wish there were more places like Boston that have great ownership, management and stability,” said Spoelstra, who that same night tied Pat Riley for most Heat games coached. “They know how tough this profession of coaching is. Then when you add in an extremely talented coach like Brad, there is a reason why they have banners and reasons why they have had success. You have to have continuity and consistency practically when times get tough. They have had tough times and they have been able to weather those and take the benefits.”

Pointed words:

Speaking in Memphis on Martin Luther King Jr. Day when honored with a National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award for contributions to human and civil rights, former Heat forward Chris Bosh emphasized the importance of education. “If a guy scores twenty points, thirty points in a high school game, he gets praise,” Bosh said, as reported by to the Commercial Appeal. “That’s wonderful. It’s these brilliant kids all over the world that don’t get any recognition. The future doctors and lawyers of the world don’t get any recognition.”

$1.3M The lone trade exception held by the Heat (from last season’s deal of Okaro White) which must be utilized by the Feb. 7 NBA trading deadline, otherwise expiring.