Sports Reporter

Ira Winderman

Ira Winderman is a sports reporter for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, specializing in coverage of the NBA and Miami Heat, having covered the team since its 1988 inception. He is a co-author of The Complete Encyclopedia of Basketball, having won awards for his coverage from the Professional Basketball Writers Association and Florida Sports Writers Association.

Heat guard Norman Powell goes up for a shot during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Dec. 26, 2025 in Atlanta. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Heat again proving turning to Powell play gives them a man advantage; Herro remains out, Larsson upgraded

January 2, 2026 at 3:18 p.m.

The greatest hits keep coming from Norman Powell, as the validation of offseason trade theft continues for the Miami Heat.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Why are the Heat now thriving in the third? ‘Our coach is a maniac’

January 2, 2026 at 11:04 a.m.

When the going wasn't good for the Miami Heat, when the losses were coming eight times in nine games, a sense of dread often coincided with the start of the...

Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell, left, passes past Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

ASK IRA: Has Heat’s Davion Mitchell unfairly gone overlooked?

January 2, 2026 at 9:05 a.m.

For all the talk of Norman Powell and Kel'el Ware, has Davion Mitchell unfairly flown below the Miami Heat radar?

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, left, is guarded by Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Winderman’s view: Heat stand tall with power play of their own vs. Pistons

January 1, 2026 at 11:10 p.m.

Ira Winderman's perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat's Thursday night game against the Detroit Pistons.

Miami Heat guard Norman Powell celebrates after making a three-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Heat hold on behind Powell’s 36 for signature 118-112 victory over East-leading Pistons

January 1, 2026 at 11:45 p.m.

As he exited Kaseya Center Monday night, Bam Adebayo said there is no better way to end a year than with a win. Apparently, the Miami Heat believe there is...

Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) reacts to a foul against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. now with eyes on teammates as well as eyes on the rim

January 1, 2026 at 3:34 p.m.

When it came to making plays over his first two seasons, the Miami Heat' Jaime Jaquez Jr. was adept at making plays...for Jaime Jaquez Jr. This season, he is making...

Heat center Kel'el Ware attempts a shot against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden on December 19, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

Kel’el Ware’s 3-point prowess no longer a novelty, with Heat 7-footer now a league leader

January 1, 2026 at 12:50 p.m.

The story at the start of the season was of a Miami Heat big man taking his game to the 3-point arc, spacing the floor, forcing defenses to adjust. Still...

Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis (25) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

ASK IRA: Do Heat have to prioritize Jakucionis development?

January 1, 2026 at 9:28 a.m.

Is Kasparas Jakucionis as a spectator not in the Miami Heat's best interest?

heat guard Pelle Larsson holds his ankle after an injury in the first half of a Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on December 09, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Current ankle sprain not as serious as previous sprain for Heat’s Larsson; Herro again out vs. Pistons

December 31, 2025 at 2:41 p.m.

If it's not one ankle, it's another for Pelle Larsson. So there was the second-year Heat guard again working on the side at practice Wednesday at Kaseya Center.

Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., second from left, forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and guard Dru Smith (12) high-five during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Heat have 140 reasons why the pace race puts them on their best footing

December 31, 2025 at 10:17 a.m.

It is the offensive explosions, the ones that came at the start of this season and have returned over the past week, that have turned heads when it comes to...

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