This is the discussion no one wants to have, certainly not Erik Spoelstra, and certainly not now, with his Miami Heat coming off an inspiring preseason moment in San Antonio.

It also is one that could prove both avoidable and moot if internal preseason optimism translates into something tangible through the first few months of the season.

But at some point, what Spoelstra often terms "outside noise" could be accompanied by even more of the types of notions already circulating around the Web, that if ever there was a season for a team to roll out the tank, this could be it.

So why are four-letter words like "Heat" and "tank" being linked when everything the franchise stands for would indicate otherwise?

-- The number of championship contenders this season might be as minimal as in recent memory, with the Cleveland Cavaliers the overwhelming favorite in the East and the Golden State Warriors in a similar position in the more-competitive West.

CAPTION Erik Spoelstra on Heat victory over Warriors Erik Spoelstra on Heat victory over Warriors CAPTION Erik Spoelstra on Heat victory over Warriors Erik Spoelstra on Heat victory over Warriors CAPTION Dwyane Wade on his dramatic game winner against the Warriors. Dwyane Wade on his dramatic game winner against the Warriors. CAPTION Spoelstra: No need to show anger to appease outsiders. Spoelstra: No need to show anger to appease outsiders. CAPTION Dwyane Wade: Braids a tribute to Iverson Dwyane Wade: Braids a tribute to Iverson CAPTION Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra says his team showed grit in loss to the Phoenix Suns. Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra says his team showed grit in loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Factor in the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers and that might be it for contenders, with all due respect to the Boston Celtics' addition of Al Horford.

-- This Heat team might only be built for the moment, with an abundance of rental players.

They may not say it, but based on their abilities to return to the free-agent market next summer, this season is about setting up the future for players such as Dion Waiters, Derrick Williams, Wayne Ellington, James Johnson and Luke Babbitt, among others.

Now, if something tangible is built with Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson, then talk certainly can begin in earnest about a foundation.

-- The Heat are in a position where the 2017 NBA Draft seemingly has to be maximized, with their 2018 first-round pick due to the Phoenix Suns from the Goran Dragic trade unless it is among the first seven, and the Heat's 2021 first-round pick (unprotected) also due to the Suns from that deal.

Yes, the Heat hold their 2017 first-round pick free and clear.

-- There should be minimal competition when it comes to racing to the top of the draft positioning (heck, any tank might not have to be that much of a tank, anyway).

The Philadelphia 76ers, even in the wake of Ben Simmons' foot injury, have vowed to live in the moment with the Colangelos now in control.

Similarly, the Sacramento Kings, with the opening of their new arena, are sending a message of immediate improvement (their 2017 first-round pick goes to the Bulls if it is not among the first 10 selections).

The Brooklyn Nets have no motivation to go into the tank, with the Celtics holding the right to swap first-round position, as a result of the Kevin Garnett-Paul Pierce trade in the 2013 offseason.

As for other potential bottom-feeders in the East, the New York Knicks clearly are placing a priority on the coming season, with the trade for Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, while the Orlando Magic have to produce if management wants to continue in place.

As for the rest of the West, the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round pick goes to the 76ers if it is not among the first three selections; the Suns already are loaded with draft possibilities with those incoming picks from the Heat; and a pair of coaches will have more on their mind than the long view, with Alvin Gentry needing to make a statement with the New Orleans Pelicans, just as Michael Malone has to do with the Denver Nuggets.

-- Oh, and the 2017 NBA Draft is expected to be really, really good, including incoming freshmen such as Josh Jackson, Dennis Smith, Markelle Fultz, Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum, Jonathan Isaac and several intriguing overseas prospects.