Based on the precedent set only a week ago, Dorell Wright likely will miss at least the next two games with the Heat. That’s the punishment the Timberwolves gave to center Al Jefferson after his recent DUI arrest.

There is no issue with Wright being out at 3:30 a.m. If you got out of work after 11 p.m., there is a chance you would at least be up that late, especially with the next day off. Thursday essentially was a weekend day for the Heat, with no practice scheduled.

Dorell Wright figures to be a spectator for a while.

But DUI is not a team matter, it’s a community concern.

So that presents a team already with limited depth with even greater limits.

Perhaps this brings Daequan Cook out of the deep freeze.

Perhaps James Jones gets to continue the 3-point run that he began Wednesday against the Clippers, with the team’s move to a zone defense making it easier to utilize Jones.

Perhaps there will be minutes for Michael Beasley at small forward.

And this should at least mean the opportunity for Yakhouba Diawara to again put on a uniform.

As it is, it has been a somewhat shaky run for Wright since being held out Saturday against the Hawks due to swelling in his surgical left knee.

He has shot 0 for 4 in each of the two games since, with just three rebounds and one assist in 40 total minutes.

Just three weeks ago, Pat Riley saw enough in Wright that he persuaded owner Micky Arison at the trading deadline to forgo a potential $7 million in luxury-tax savings to retain the sixth-year forward, an impending free agent, for the balance of the season.

Since then, the payoff has been limited.

There is not a single unimportant day the balance of this season for the Heat.

It would be nice if everyone got that message.

Q: You mentioned in your blog that Wade’s number will retire to the rafters no matter what happens. That is just ridiculous to me, considering if he bolts on the organization. Please explain how you came to that conclusion? – Max.

A: Dwyane led the team to its first title, was MVP of the Finals, MVP of the All-Star Game, All-NBA and played here seven seasons so far, which already puts him ahead of the Tim Hardaway curve. Tim played here only six. Or do you want to take down Tim’s banner?

Q: I was at the game in Charlotte and it seemed to me the refs were eating their whistles when it came to the Heat. I thought because of the ownership change in Charlotte, it might be what league wants, the Bobcats in the playoffs. Your thoughts? — J.A.

A: I wouldn’t go that far. But I do think it’s odd to have Michael Jordan sitting at the end of your bench. There is no doubt he is a compelling figure. It just doesn’t seem like that’s where an owner or lead executive should be situated. As for the whistle that night? Yes, I do think Dwyane had more than a few legitimate gripes, and it seemed as if Dan Crawford and David Jones couldn’t get on the same page. Of course, the numbers turned around for the Heat against the Clippers, so perhaps it’s just the cycle of NBA life.

Q: As a ticket-season holder, I hope not to see Spo as a coach next summer again. — Alex.

A: It’s interesting, I can’t tell you how many of these I get a day. Honestly, I have no clue if you are a season-ticket holder. But if you are, that means you have an account executive, so let them know how you feel. I neither hire nor fire coaches, but rather offer my perspective.

Q: Do you think Beasley should have played in the fourth quarter against the Bobcats? — Curt.

A: Yes, at least at the times when scoring was needed, like down by two in the final seconds. Yet, when they were down by three, I would have subbed in James Jones at that stage.

Q: I was checking out all the point guards that will be free agents this summer and it seems to me that Steve Blake is as good as it gets. — Kevin.

A: Which is why I think that goal is more likely to be accomplished in a trade. I mean look at the Bobcats, Felton or Augustin would be a significant upgrade here.

Observations from Wednesday’s 108-97 victory over the Clippers at AmericanAirlines Arena:

• Clean and efficient. Exactly what was needed.
• Perhaps this homecourt might just provide a payoff. That’s four in a row at AmericanAirlines Arena.
• Still there was no need to pull Dwyane Wade so early. Absolutely ridiculous to allow the Clippers to make it a game at the end, with a chance to cut it to six.
• The Clippers arrived as advertised, missing nine of their first 10 shots and falling behind 14-3.
• Even though it was the second night of a back-to-back, the Heat came out pressing and trapping, an approach that energized the early effort.
• But the Heat then seemed to lose interest, creating yet another meandering exercise in front of a small and unenthusiastic crowd.
  

  Dwyane Wade attacks the paint. (Jim Rassol, Sun Sentinel)

• The Heat made Rasual Butler feel like it was some sort of welcome-back testimonial, with the former Heat forward closing the first quarter with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
• And he just kept going from there, with Quentin Richardson not catching on.
• Shifted to shooting guard amid the Clippers’ injury woes, Baron Davis showed little desire in having to defend Wade.
• Wade led the Heat with 27 points, sitting out the fourth quarter.
• Jamaal Magloire played as the Heat’s first center off the bench, throwing his weight around. With Magloire, that’s all you can ask.
• Magloire tied his season high with three blocked shots.
• A Udonis Haslem layup late in the first quarter was the 5,000th point of his career.
• Steve Blake might work well as an offseason option at point guard.
• Erik Spoelstra did not make it sound as if the Heat was seriously considering a roster replacement for Rafer Alston. “You’re weighing whether bringing somebody in can actually help, whether it might be able to be a development player, somebody you can secure for the summer,” he said. “You’re also weighing whether that person can disrupt the continuity, based on their expectations.”
• A pretty good duel early between Drew Gooden and Jermaine O’Neal. With Gooden opening 1 for 7 and O’Neal 1 of 6. O’Neal eventually came around. Gooden didn’t, finishing 1 of 9.
• Clippers center Chris Kaman did not score his first points until converting a layup with 9:44 left in the third quarter.
• Thunder coach Scott Brooks banned his team from alley-oop plays for the first half of the season. Perhaps the Heat should now adopt that approach, with some of the over-the-top attempts with Michael Beasley.
• Mario Chalmers’ stand-still 3-point shot remains one of the most automatic shots for the Heat.
• A left thigh contusion sidelined Michael Beasley in the third quarter.
• James Jones finally did something with his playing time, as Daequan Cook remains in the deep freeze.

Q: Hey Ira, do you think the Heat will sign Jack McClinton to the opening that Rafer created? It could help our depth and scoring off the bench. — Malcolm.

A: To me, what the Heat needs is what Spoelstra kept pointing to with Rafer, a defensive-minded point guard. Right now, there is nothing close to a stopper at that position, and either Wade or Cook likely would have to take such assignments late in games. D.J. Augustin showed Tuesday that quickness at the position still is a concern.

Q: If the Heat brought in a point guard now, would he be eligible for the playoffs? — Phil.

A: Yes, as long as he was not on another NBA team’s roster after March 1. That includes foreign players or even retired players. So, take your choice: Magic Johnson, John Stockton or perhaps Isiah coming over, with FIU’s season coming to an end.

Q: Do you think the Heat might think about trying Marbury? He is doing well over in China. — Danny.

A: Uh, no. The last thing this team needs at this point are any headaches. Then again, with Rafer Alston’s latest revelation about his sister’s suicide attempt leading to his departure, who knows how his own situation plays out and whether he will be back?

Q: The Miami Heat prides itself as a professional organization, strong worth ethic and everything else. With that being said, why is that we are always in the position of disciplining players under the Riley regime? There was Smush, Shaq, we had the Posey and Antoine weight issue, and now Alston. — Mia.

A: Because the demands and expectations here are considerable. But players also have to know that coming in. I can’t tell you how many players have said all the right things upon signing, then, after a while, said, “I never expected it to be like this.” In this case, however, there appear to be mitigating circumstances.

Q: I wonder if it would be in the Heat’s best interest if it held a D-Wade appreciation night before the regular season ends? It would be a shame if Wade left during the offseason without Heat fans getting a chance to truly show how much he has meant to them over the years. Unlike Shaq, he has shown a lot of class during some tough times. — Mark.

A: I think the Heat’s plan is to hold Dwyane Wade Appreciation Nights the next six years. Look, no matter what happens from here, Dwyane’s No. 3 will be going to the rafters. But the goal is for that to happen after he retires a member of the Heat.

Observations from Tuesday’s 83-78 loss to the Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena:

• To much all-or-nothing with Dwyane Wade at the end. It’s not as if the traps and doubles are unexpected by this juncture of the season.
• And too much of trying to playing the hero with the 3-pointer by Wade.
• And why not have Michael Beasley on the court when you’re down two after the foul on Stephen Jackson?
• Quick opposing point guards continue to menace the Heat. Somewhere, Eik Spoelstra, orPat Riley, has to find a defensive answer.
• The lesson from the start of Tuesday’s game? That Theo Ratliff is still in the league. Ratliff had six of the Bobcats’ first 17 points.
• A bad loss, considering where the Heat stood.
• Unlike the Heat’s 39-point blowout the last time it visited, it seized control early, leading by 11 midway through the opening period and 30-20 at the close of the first quarter.
  

  Dwyane attempts a jumper Tuesday. (AP)

• James Jones, and not Daequan Cook, entered with the second unit at the start of the second quarter. Jones did little with his opportunity.
• Still, doesn’t he need to be out there down 81-78 with 7..2 seconds to play?
• With his second rebound of the first quarter, Heat power forward Udonis Haslem reached 4,000 for his career.
• Even on its emptiest nights, AmericanAirlines Arena never sounded this quiet in a first half.
• Even with Wade out, the Heat extended its lead to 40-26, before he re-entered with 5:51 to play in the second quarter. The Heat led 48-39 at halftime.
• Dorell Wright was back, sort of. Although he moved past the knee swelling that kept him out Saturday against the Hawks, he was out of sync most of the night.
• Wade did not get to the line in the first half, despite consistently attacking the rim.
• Stephen Jackson opened 0 for 5. The Bobcats’ fortunes turned only when Jackson began to start making shots.
• Bobcats coach Larry Brown was poised for the best of Wade. “The bigger the game, the better he plays,” Brown said.
• Michael Jordan, Charlotte’s impending majority owner, not only is becoming more of a fixture at Bobcats games, but now sits at the end of the team’s bench. Somehow, we couldn’t envision Pat Riley sharing fist pumps with Yakhouba Diawara.
• Yes, Michael Beasley had a moment, not only finishing strong on a driving dunk early in the third quarter, but finishing with his right hand. More, please.
• Carlos Arroyo guides the team well. But he also has to start consistently making shots.
• Then there is Mario Chalmers, who simply cannot keep his man in front of him.
• This was not one of the Heat’s better ball-movement efforts.
• That 48-39 halftime edge was reduced to a 66-62 lead entering the fourth quarter.
• That’s when Spoelstra dared put Jones back on the court. No, that did not go well.
• Wade’s second trip to the line did not come until 4:47 remained.
• The Heat’s second-half offense was, well, offensive.

Q: What do you think the thing is between Beasley and Arroyo? Or do you think that Arroyo is just trying to be a floor general, “barking” at everyone and we are all just Beasley-sensitive? — Paul.

A: Carlos is taking the responsibilities of being a floor general very seriously, trying to shake the image of being purely a freelance point guard. When Michael runs to the wrong spots, it essentially eliminates the chance of a play being successful. Carlos is demonstrative, which is why you are noticing it. But even on the bench, he is pointing out plays to Mario Chalmers. After all, is it too much to ask a pro to be in the right place?

Q: Are we missing out on the privilege of witnessing one of the best point guards of all time by Wade refusing to play the position permanently? By refusing, he is not only disappointing fans, but he is holding himself and the Heat franchise back. — Benjamin.

A: Or is it merely self-preservation? Being a leading scorer and a playmaker takes a toll. Just ask Chris Paul. Dwyane hardly is cheating the Heat with his approach, just trying to maximize and preserve his skill set.

Q: Hey Ira, if the Heat is currently an underachiever, do you think the Hawks are overachievers? We’re up 3-1 on them in the season series. — Roberto.

A: Actually, I would call the Heat an “achiever” right now, just about where it should be. But as I pointed out in my latest blog, I think Atlanta is a playoff opponent worth targeting, one that would leave the Heat with a fighting chance in the opening round.

Q: Ira, what would be a better option for the Heat next season: to get one of the top free agents available (Bosh, Stoudemire, James) and role players or try to land two of those top free agents and re-sign current role players? — Eder.

A: The Heat does not have room for Wade and two elite free agents. It also does not have room for Wade, one top free agent and more than one top role player, let alone re-signing current role players. This team will have a vastly different look next season.

Q: I wanted to know your thoughts about getting Ginobili in the offseason, if the Spurs don’t re-sign him. — John.

A: I think it would be too much redundancy with Wade. I think the Heat has far greater needs elsewhere.

For most of the season, when it came to playoff seeding, the view regarding the Heat was, “whatever.”

The sense was it did not make much of a difference whether the Heat faces the Cavaliers, Magic, Celtics or Hawks in the first round.

Michael Beasley had his moments Saturday against Josh Smith. (AP)

It would be one-and-done once again, and then everyone collectively would hold their breath until Dwyane Wade made his free-agent decision.

And then came Saturday’s game against the Hawks, a third victory by the Heat in the four-game season series.

The Heat has now won 15 of the last 17 regular-season meetings at AmericanAirlines Arena.

No, there won’t be homecourt in a potential first-round series against the Hawks, but there will be three home games if the series goes the distance.

Beyond that, the Heat held the Hawks to 39-percent shooting in the four-game season series.

That’s what makes Tuesday’s game in Charlotte so crucial, as well as Friday’s home game against the Bulls and games later this month against the Bobcats, Bulls, Bucks and Raptors.

The No. 5 seed suddenly again is within the Heat’s grasp.

And now it is a prize worth chasing.

Or, at the least, the No. 6 seed, since the Hawks well could wind up as a third seed.

Either way, there are far worse fates than a rematch of last season’s opening-round seven-game ouster at the hands of the Hawks.

Atlanta is a first-round opponent worth fighting for.

It would give the Heat’s a puncher’s chance.

Q: Now that Alston has jumped ship, I’d like to see Wade play point more. — Tony.

A: You were seeing that even before Rafer bolted. There never was any secret that Dwyane is the team’s best facilitator. Perhaps it was just a matter of waiting for the closing stretch of the season to stretch his game to such limits.

Q: Do you think Riley will take a shot at Larry Hughes for the open roster spot? — Rodney.

A: I don’t. I think if another point guard is added, it would be an emergency point guard, one who would be content to wait and watch, playing only if Arroyo or Chalmers were injured. Larry showed in New York that he is not comfortable with such a role. Where is Chris Quinn when you need him?

Q: Aren’t you kind of hoping the Heat get the Cavs in the first round? It would be a classic duel, not to mention LeBron brings out the best in Wade. — Alex.

A: On one hand, yes I am, since just about every Wade-LeBron game has been brilliant theater. On the other hand, I now think a series against the Hawks, even without homecourt, is winnable, and the No. 5 seed certainly is not beyond the Heat’s current grasp.

Q: Beasley would not have been in the game late in the fourth quarter if O’Neal was available. Do you think things will change? — Richard.

A: I think it will come down to the matchup. Height is still an issue for the Heat, making it difficult to twin Beasley and Haslem against bigger big men.

Q: Ira, how does that crow taste? Us fans clamoring for Beasley to get closing minutes don’t want it only for the kid’s development, but because it’s what is better for the team. — Andy.

A: It sort of tastes like chicken, a bit gamey, but not too bad. Although I do think I accidentally bit into a bit of beak.

Here’s what matters about Dwyane Wade getting in Michael Beasley’s chest during Saturday night’s victory over the Hawks:

That he got in Michael Beasley’s chest.

Michael Beasley checks in Saturday with Dwyane Wade. (AP)

That Beasley was deemed worthy of a wakeup jolt.

That Wade thought there was more that Beasley could offer.

You only provide wake-up calls to someone you want to go to work with.

Don’t understate that element of Saturday’s crisis management between the two.

We know Wade wants to go to work with Udonis Haslem.

We sense he appreciates what Jermaine O’Neal’s interior game can create.

But until Saturday, there was a lingering sense that Wade had viewed Beasley as some sort of lost cause, that the Heat’s star guard was taking a why-bother approach with the erratic power forward.

But amid the disappearance of Rafer Alston and the reality that Carlos Arroyo and Mario Chalmers will be as good as it gets at point guard, Wade’s trust is an immeasurable asset in this offense.

Now that Wade is handling the ball, making the passes, adding up the assists, we figure to get a better sense of that trust factor.

Saturday, three of Wade’s four first-half assists went to Chicago running buddy Quentin Richardson.

But in the fourth quarter, when the game against the Hawks was in the balance, three of Wade’s four assists went to Beasley.

Overall, half of Wade’s 10 assists went to the second-year forward.

Wade delivered and Beasley delivered.

Apparently, it is a bond that is worth fighting for.

Q: I don’t get it. These were Alston’s words just a couple days ago, “At times, it’s how you handle it that defines you. I’ve been able to overcome plenty of obstacles. I don’t really see this one as one. I think this one is just us searching for a better rhythm, especially going down the stretch here.” Was it just all talk? He looks like such a hypocrite now. Also, the Heat still needs a third point guard just in case. What will they do? — Moshe.

A: Rafer’s problem has long been allowing his emotions to get the best of him. But, yes, if he’s gone, I think they’d have to add another point guard, someone who is playoff eligible. Mike James might not be the first choice, but the choices are somewhat limited, especially with San Antonio looking for someone now after Tony Parker’s injury.

Q: I thought Beasley was being mentored by Mourning. Has Mourning not taught the youngin’ that he needs to post up and play some tough D? — Sam.

A: Alonzo’s mentorship is mostly limited to life skills. I don’t think Michael will ever be much of a post-up threat, if one at all. His preference and skill set make him more of a face-up presence. Even with his breakout Saturday against the Hawks, he did not get to the foul line.

Q: Can you see Beasley asking to be traded after next season? Because when the Heat lands a free agent in the summer, Beasley, at best, is going to be a third option on this team. — Ariel.

A: Based on what he has been through and put the team through, Michael is in no position to make demands. And Michael might not have to demand a trade. With the addition of a Bosh or Stoudemire, redundancy might necessitate a trade.

Q: Much like the chicken or the egg, what is Riley’s first step: signing Wade or signing another superstar? – Ryan.

A: The two will happen in concert, with either Wade re-signing the same time another star is locked up, or Wade heading elsewhere because another star can’t be added. It very much is an all-or-nothing proposition.

Q: Have you seen Charlotte’s schedule for the rest of the season? No way Heat doesn’t get at least the eighth seed. That might even be for the best. If the Heat is going out in first round, why not throw everything at the Cavs and that fraud Shaq? That is the most entertaining matchup, anyway. — Brad.

A: Again, never overstate the schedule, because the Heat can lose to a Minnesota at home and then beat the Lakers. For that matter, the Bobcats are coming off their own win against the Lakers.

Observations from Saturday’s 100-94 victory over the Hawks at AmericanAirlines Aren:

• This was Michael’s Beasley’s moment, and he made the most of it, with 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter.
• If Jermaine O’Neal was available, who knows how Erik Spoelstra would have played it.
• But sometimes it just takes an opportunity. Michael certainly made the most of it.
• Rafer Alston’s fall has been sudden and swift, from starter Tuesday, to no action Thursday to inactive Saturday. He was not at Saturday’s game due to what the team termed “personal reasons,” although it is unclear if those reasons relate to the benching. He later was suspended without pay for failing to appear, his second Heat tenure essentially over.
• But the team will need another point guard. Come on down . . . Mike James?
• Erik Spoelstra shook up his rotation, with Jamaal Magloire the first center off the bench and Daequan Cook the first shooting guard, amid the injury absence of Dorell Wright.
  

  Josh Smith shoots against Michael Beasley. (AP)

• Ah, NBA statistical vanity. No sooner was Dwyane Wade off with a halfcourt heave at the end of the first quarter then he waved to the scoring crew to make sure they wouldn’t count it as a shot attempt. Wade shot 2 of 7 in that first quarter.
• Wade, though, made a 38-foot 3-point heave at the halftime buzzer and wanted to make sure that counted. It did, drawing the Heat within 56-52.
• Wade, was livid with forward Beasley for botching an alley-oop attempt earlier.
• The second unit, with Mario Chalmers at the point, was horrid at the start of the second quarter, missing its first five shots. By the time Spoelstra got his starting backcourt of Wade and Arroyo back on the court with 7:30 to play in the first half, the Hawks had a 37-25 lead.
• Quentin Richardson picked up from the 3-point line where he left off Thursday against the Lakers, with four first-half 3-pointers.
• O’Neal tweaked his left knee in the second quarter and did not return, limited to 11:25 of action.
• Going with Magloire ahead of Joel Anthony as the backup center proved to be an inspired choice. Here’s to that inspiration continuing. But Anthony did provide energy in the third after Magloire picked up his fourth foul.
• Lots of zone for the Heat meant defensive 3-second violations on both Magloire and Anthony, because in the NBA you can’t play a real zone.
• Entering Saturday’s game, Udonis Haslem, somewhat surprisingly, stood second only to Wade (286 points) in fourth-quarter scoring this season for the Heat, at 197 points. Haslem also leads the Heat with 12 overtime points this season.
• Spoelstra downplayed Wright’s absence, saying the swelling in the forward’s left knee likely would require only this one-time absence.
• Heat President Pat Riley missed the game to scout Texas-Baylor and SMU-Marshall.
• After a Carlos Arroyo 3-pointer was changed to a two-point basket at the end of the third quarter, a scoreboard malfunction initially change the 77-77 tie to a 176-77 Heat lead. The clock operator tried to manually bring the Heat’s score down to 76 one point at a time, before both teams were sent to the bench for an additional delay that lasted several minutes.
• Oh yeah, Wade was pretty good, too.

Q: Is it possible that the Heat is a better playoff team than regular-season team? Its greatest flaw seems to be the lack of focus every night, and the playoffs would cure that. — Jon.

A: Oh, I think that very much could be the case, with a defensive disposition and a post presence in Jermaine O’Neal. But getting there will remain a challenge. I’d almost guarantee, among the top four teams in the conference, the Heat and Wade is the combination most teams would least like to challenge in the first round.

Q: Something seems fishy about the night Carlos Arroyo was arrested. There seems to possibly be more to the story. Do you not disagree? — Joe.

A: I do not disagree, although it actually was a morning. But what I think is most significant from a basketball standpoint is how the Heat is standing by Carlos, something it did not do with Smush Parker, but something it did do with James Posey. When you’re about to recruit free agents and then look to sign several players at the minimum salary, I think it is especially important that you show you’ll have your players’ backs.

Q: Is Wade just in a slump? Or do you think it has to do with him not having any help and getting triple-teamed every game? — Alex.

A: Slump? Except for his shooting percentage, which obviously is a concern, his overall productivity again has him as one of the best players in the league. But, to a degree, you’re only as good as your supporting cast.

Q: After the Lakers game, what are the chances we are going to continue getting that much production from the whole team? — Alex.

A: Based on this season, I’d say 50-50.

Q: If Wade doesn’t re-sign with the Heat can you please tell me the most realistic team you see him signing with and why? — Marc.

A: New York, if LeBron also goes there.

There is a misguided notion that when a coach doesn’t play a player that he forgets about the player.

In the relationship between Erik Spoelstra and Michael Beasley, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Michael Beasley reaches for a rebound against the Lakers.

Friday, the second-year Heat coach detailed just how much time he spends with the second-year forward away from the games.

“It’s not regular,” Spoelstra said of the meetings. “Sometimes it’s five times in a week. Occasionally, it’s a couple of times. Sometimes, they’re informal. I may talk to him before practice or after practice.

“We try to really take time to teach as much as we can and not shortcut that process with him or any of the young guys or even the veterans, for that matter.”

The question becomes whether the constant contact turns into clutter. There are times when it appears Beasley is spending more time on the court thinking instead of reacting.

In fact, it is those wildly instinctive plays that can make him so special, such as his ferocious putback dunk Thursday night over Pau Gasol.

Spoelstra said the sessions aren’t merely for Michael.

“I think probably more with the younger players than the other guys,” he said. “We have film sessions and teaching sessions with the veterans every day, as well, but it’s scheduled with the young guys.

“It’s an hour before every practice, usually about 15, 20 minutes after practice, and then the same thing before shootarounds. And before games, there’s always film sessions, individual edits for them.”

Again, it comes down to whether this is the best place for Beasley.

With the Heat, structure is everything. This is not a freelance offense. You’ll never see Spoelstra waving his arms for his team to run a motion offense. He doesn’t shout, “Play the game!” like other coaches who simply want their players to flow from one option to the next.

Beasley would have been the perfect Kevin Loughery player, even if Kevin might have had some not-so-kind words behind the kid’s back.

But enough with how Spoelstra is killing the kid. Such devotion to detail indicates otherwise. He’s in the consciousness, if not always in the game.