Q: How bad is Anthony Carter? Seriously, where does he rank as far as starting point guards in the NBA? He's got to be the worst. Nate Arizin, Zachary, La.

A: Well, that's a subtle question, isn?t it. Actually, it's not as much of a factor now, since Carter no longer is the starter, replaced by Rod Strickland. As far as starters, some were down this season on Kenny Anderson (too old), Jason Williams (too wild), Jacque Vaughn (too erratic), Greg Anthony (too disinterested) and Larry Hughes (too clueless), but none certainly is "worse" than Carter. The real question is how many backups are better than Carter. In that group you could include Milt Palacio, Howard Eisley, Bimbo Coles, Tim Hardaway, Dana Barros, Moochie Norris, Travis Best, Keyon Dooling, Brian Shaw, Brevin Knight, Speedy Claxton, Tony Delk, Bobby Jackson, Terry Porter, Chris Childs and John Crotty. Whew!

Q: It appears that Chris Gatling's biggest problem is that he is WAY out of shape. What do you think? Paul Murray, Pasadena, CA

A: He was way out of shape, then dropped 30 pounds. The problem now is he's way out of his element, as a one-dimensional scorer. Basically, Riley demands more from his players, and Gatling cannot seem to meet the other needs.

Q: With Mike James taking over at backup point guard, where does that leave Eddie House? Actually, I'm surprised House is even on the team because he just doesn't seem like a Pat Riley kind of player. Mike Owens, Fort Walton Beach, FL

A: It leaves House as a fifth guard, the type of instant-offense role he would fill on most teams. The one thing the Heat learned this season about House is that he is not a point guard.

Q: Do you think Riley still agonizes over the fact that he was so close to trading for Tracy McGrady and Antonio Davis last year? Scott Storper, Miami,FL

A: I'm sure he agonizes more over McGrady than Davis, who has struggled to get shots under the new defensive guidelines. From the get-go, Riley knew McGrady was more of a talent than Eddie Jones, but he also understood it would be difficult to pry McGrady from his Orlando roots.

Q: I've heard the questions about trading for Travis Best. What about Damon Stoudamire? He's been benched in Portland and stashed on the injured list. Kind of reminds me when Hardaway was benched in Golden State and Riley acquired him. I don't know what Stoudamire makes or who Portland would want for him. Maybe the $3.3 million exception and another player? Robert M. Fojo, Miami, FL

A: Stoudamire makes way too much, about $12 million. It is the type of contract only the Blazers would bestow (and to think, some think Anthony Carter is overpaid). The only way to make it work in a trade would be to include Eddie Jones or Brian Grant. Thought around the league is Stoudamire is too small to be a big-minutes starter. That said, he certainly would be an upgrade for the Heat.

Q: How could you say that acquiring Brian Grant was one of the five best trades that Pat Riley ever made? He cost a TON of money and hasn't done anything. D. Garner, Emporia, VA

A: Because of what the Heat gave up. There is not a GM in the league that wouldn't have given up Gatling, Weatherspoon and a No. 20 draft pick. And, like I wrote, several teams were willing to bestow a similar contract. I'm sorry, the blame there should rest on Grant, who has fallen from where he stood with the Kings, Blazers and even his first year with the Heat. Sometimes, it is the player who is accountable.

Q: I know you can't speculate, but do you think this will be Alonzo Mourning's last season? Will the Heat draft that center from Western Kentucky? Craig Colston, E. Meadows, NY

A: Well, the Heat certainly was disappointed Chris Marcus was injured did not play in the recent game at FIU. The trouble with Mourning is that unless he bypasses his salary for next season -- and why should he? -- he remains on the salary cap. So he well could return.

Q: Which lineup do you think gives the Heat the best chance to win? By the way, I love your show on WQAM. Keith Rennie, Miramar, FL

A: Thanks for the kind words. It's always nice to hear that from someone I'm not related to. I like Rod Strickland, obviously, as a starter. But I'm starting to think more about Jim Jackson coming off the bench, since the Heat seems to need a boost there.

Q: Is there any chance of Pat Riley returning next season? If so, will Stan Van Gundy or Jeff Van Gundy be the next Heat coach? Frank, Kinston, NC

A: Riley's status for next season certainly is up in the air. At times, I'm not sure he'll be able to stomach the balance of this season. I just can't see Stan Van Gundy, because I think the team, with Riley gone, will need a front man, someone to sell tickets. For that reason, my hunch is Mike Fratello could be next.

Q: Does anyone in the Heat organization think the playoffs are still within reach? Or is the consensus eager for a long-awaited top pick? Stephanie Topchick, Aventura, FL

A: Riley is still pushing for the playoffs. And General Manager Randy Pfund told me the team only will take a true "lottery" focus when all hopes for the playoffs are gone.