Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo will be most important player in Semi-Finals
No matter who the Miami Heat take on in the next round of the playoffs, Bam Adebayo will prove their most important player in either matchup.
The Miami Heat are sitting pretty ahead of the second round of playoffs following their series sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the first round. They’re slated to play the winner of the Milwaukee Bucks-Orlando Magic series next, although it could be some time before that’s decided.
Jimmy Butler, Goran Dragic, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro are all having a solid postseason thus far. Yet no matter who they’re matched up with in the next round one thing is certain: their All-Star big man will prove the most important and impactful player in any series.
Adebayo has shined this season, which is only his third mind you, and played incredibly well in his second playoffs appearance ever. Miami’s second All-Star posted 15 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, along with 1.3 blocks and a steal in the first round against Indiana.
He also aided Jimmy Butler in an attempt to slow down the fire-hot T.J. Warren, who’s performance over the eight seeding games earned him a place on the All-Bubble First Team. Adebayo will be tasked with the same responsibility, on a larger scale, in the Semi-Finals.
Whether Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks or Nikola Vucevic of the Magic, he’ll shoulder a large chunk of the defensive responsibility for the opposing teams’ best player. It’s something that head coach Erik Spoelstra has consistently tasked Adebayo with throughout the year.
In addition to his steal and block averages, the 23-year old posted a 106 Defensive Rating per 100 possessions in the regular season (and a 102 rating in the playoff series with the Pacers).
Unfortunately for Adebayo, his job won’t be any easier on the other end.
Milwaukee’s boasting the reigning MVP and current Defensive Player of the Year in Antetokounmpo. And Orlando’s Vucevic has size on Adebayo at 6-11 and 260 lbs. Can he do it?
Looking at previous matchups is the only way to get an idea of what to expect.
Miami and Orlando faced off four times this year where Adebayo averaged 12 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5 assists, with the Heat capturing three of four games. And against Milwaukee, who Miami beat two of three times this year, he averaged: 13 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
Butler and enforcer Jae Crowder will be here to assist their teammate on both sides of the ball. But given his role in this offense and his one-on-one matchups, Adebayo will need to be the best version of himself, if the Miami Heat are going to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Miami Heat are going to prepare for their Eastern Conference Semi-Finals matchup, whoever that may be. When they get there, the team is going to have to bring out the best of Bam Adebayo in that series, as they push for a 2020 NBA Finals appearance.