Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo Has Shown Capable, But Has To Be Consistent
If he’s capable of those types of showings, then the usage for Bam needs to be higher. The ball needs to be in his hands, but not giving handoffs to shooters.
He needs to find his spots on the court and go to work. Whether it be banging on the block, spotting up for an occasional three, or shooting the mid-range in the pick-and-pop, the Heat need him to be versatile.
Just to be recognized as a threat on all three scoring levels opens up so much and not only for him and his offensive growth but for the team as well. Bam has already been vocal about getting his shot attempts up and has shown that he wants to be the number one option so far in the preseason.
He averaged 21 points in three games and didn’t play any of the fourth quarters. It is preseason, but the effort is there and it seems as if he’s ready to take that next step.
He just needs to channel that into a full season and then playoffs. Yes, Jimmy Butler is still the top guy on the roster but since he’s been here, he’s stated multiple times that he wants everyone to eat.
He recognizes it’s a team game. One man with average help cannot win a championship, but two guys playing at their best with help from the rest of the team, well that’s a different scenario.
If there was ever a time for Bam to answer the question with a resounding “yes”, it needs to be this season. Guys are getting older, role players need to be paid, and there are younger teams in the league ready to take that next leap.
It may sound like an overreaction, but every season matters when you’re a contender. If you let opportunities pass you by, you may run out.
Barring injuries, this is the most important season in the “Jimmy Butler window”. He’s in his prime and willing to do whatever it takes to win, meaning Bam needs to match that energy.
Can Adebayo truly be the second option? Yes, he can and for the sake of their championship aspirations— the Miami Heat sure better hope so.