In the last two seasons, the Miami Heat have established an identity of manipulating interior defenses. With driving and finishing capabilities, they can wear opponents down to free-up perimeter shot attempts — an offense that culminated in a 2020 NBA Finals run.
While the Heat were unable to replicate that same offensive proficiency in 2021, some rough shooting stretches played a factor through much of last season and further into the playoffs.
As a result, opposing teams were given the luxury of sagging-off to take away Miami’s strongest capability: getting inside and drawing fouls.
The Heat ranked just 22nd in free-throws attempted last season (1520; tied with Golden State), but they were still 12th overall in attempts-made. Nonetheless, a revamped roster should set them up for a greater trend in ramping up more attempts from the line than usual.
Whenever you have players such as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo on your roster, rim-pressure will always come at a premium. Being two of the NBA’s top-20 leaders in attempted foul shots, they’ve gotten there in different, yet dynamic ways of their own.