Entering a new decade, the Miami Heat haven’t been a consistent franchise when it comes to rebounding. It’s been two seasons since the Hassan Whiteside fable, and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has fully embraced a “gang-rebound” approach.
With the exceptions of Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard, a small-ball method allows Miami to play with pace. Bam Adebayo, the Heat’s current star center, is often paired with an athletic, versatile wing player in the front-court.
However, the Heat’s inability of controlling the glass remains a major weakness. In 2021, they finished with the second-lowest offensive rebounding average (8.0) in franchise history. However, on the defensive glass, it was their fifth-highest ever (33.5).
Why the Miami Heat rebounding woes will end this season: Past failures
Miami Heat Rebounding Performance (Past Two Seasons)
- Ranked 29th in Total Rebounds; 17th in 2019-20.
- Ranked 30th in Offensive Rebounds; 29th in 2019-20.
- Ranked 23rd in Defensive Rebounds; 7th in 2019-20.
In a season of trial-and-error, from starting Mo Harkless on opening night against Orlando, to trading for Trevor Ariza at the March deadline, the Heat never seemed to regain that same grit to secure rebounds, much like they could the season before.
It ultimately showed during last season’s first-round exit against the Milwaukee Bucks, where Miami surrendered a 236-169 rebound disadvantage in a four-game sweep.
And even in the 2020 postseason, where the Heat catapulted to the NBA Finals, they would fall inferior to the Los Angeles Lakers, as they were historically out-rebounded 270-225.