Bam Adebayo is the X-factor for the Miami Heat this upcoming season. Yes, I know when people hear the term ” X-factor”, they think of a role player/sixth man-type to change a playoff series or something like that.
With Adebayo, he obviously doesn’t fit the criteria of an X-factor but he has the highest upside on the current roster.
What I mean by X-factor is if Adebayo can make that leap in his game, offensively, then Miami has a chance of returning to the NBA Finals.
Adebayo has all the tools do be way better offensively, but it’s not a matter of skill for him, it’s mindset. Miami faithful ( myself included) have talked about how Adebayo needs to be more aggressive.
At the same time and on last year, Adebayo averaged 18.7 points per game. Other fan bases would probably think, “what are Miami fans talking about… Adebayo being more aggressive?”
Miami Heat: An Offensively Aggressive Bam Adebayo Could Mean NBA Finals
There were too many times last season where Adebayo would not even look at the rim with the ball in his hands. Or, Adebayo would be too focused on the dribble hand-off with Duncan Robinson.
I don’t have an issue with the dribble hand-off to get Robinson to going from three. I’ve stated this numerous times in other pieces, but after a while, Adebayo has to say “screw the dribble hand-off I have to start attacking the rim.”
Adebayo likes to get others involved, which is what you want from a star player. This season has to be a little different though.
Miami is in a win now situation. Especially to be considered a “for real” team in the East, let alone to get the the NBA Finals.
Adebayo needs be more of a scorer this year. A fellow writer at here at AUCH, Isiah Curry, tweeted out an interesting stat. When Adebayo attempted at least 15 shots last season in a game (18 games) , he averaged 23.5 points per game and with a field goal percentage of 65.5 percent.
That’s what it means when Adebayo is asked to be aggressive. Averaging 23.5 points per game is something that Adebayo can do on any given night.
Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo Has The Ability, He Just Has To Develop The Mindset
The thing about it all is just that he needs to believe that he can do that on nightly basis. With the addition of Kyle Lowry, Miami will have another ball handler who will set teammates up and another scorer but most importantly, Lowry will really help Bam out.
Lowry should come in looking to give Adebayo the ball in positions where he can score. Adebayo wont have to worry as much about getting his teammates involved, as Lowry will have no problem making the extra pass.
Every big man to play with Lowry always ends up having an improved year. I don’t see why that wouldn’t also apply to Adebayo.
Also, Adebayo has nice touch around the rim and every year it seems his jump shot gets better. If you follow my halftime recap on twitter, then you will know I’ve wanted Adebayo to shoot that open 15-footer for a while now.
Adebayo can hit that jumper all day. Expanding his range is a must this year. More spacing on the floor will be all the better for Miami.
Miami and Adebayo are in for a big year this year. If Adebayo can be more aggressive on offense, then the deeper Miami will go in the playoffs and potentially a Finals return.