The Miami Heat will go as far as Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler can take them. Adebayo must realize that as well.
Bam Adebayo got better last season across the box score. He scored nearly three more points per game, became a better shooter in every area of the floor, upped his number of assists, steals, and shaved off his turnover average.
As a defender, he also improved. According to NBA stats tracking, Adebayo allowed over 120 fewer points to forwards and 20 fewer points to centers.
He also forced over 20 more turnovers against all positions than last season. So what’s the problem?
The next step is controlling games in the fourth quarter. When he imposed his will on the Brooklyn Nets to win the game without Butler, we saw a flash of the perennial All-Star that Adebayo could become.
But now that he is established as one of the more valuable players in the league, he needs to do more than fill a stat sheet. He needs to begin putting his stamp on more games.
We need more “Bam Games” that are clearly defined by his impact. When that happens, so will the All-Star appearances.