All U Can Heat
Fansided

Miami Heat: Why Miami’s rebounding woes will end this season

By Isiah Curry

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz battle for a rebound during the second quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 26, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz battle for a rebound during the second quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 26, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Miami Heat
Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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).

Related Story. Did They Address The Rebounding Issue This Offseason?. light

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.

Home/Heat News