Hot Or Not: Concerned about Jimmy Butler’s slow start

Hot: Bam Adebayo ⬆️

Bam Adebayo returns every season having added something to his game. Last season, it was the free-throw line jumper, meant as a way to score against bigger centers that took away the restricted area around the basket. Adebayo shot more non-restricted area 2-pointers than ever last season and is on track to do the same this season.

But what’s different is how he’s getting to his spots. Last season, Adebayo had a tendency to drift away from opposing 7-footers in order to create space. Now, Adebayo will lean into those big bodies, using his strength to knock them back and create space or just hold his own spot.

The difference is that he’s shooting from a couple of feet closer to the basket, which should translate to great efficiency as the season goes on. It’s a small difference, but an important one.

For example, here’s a jumper against Rudy Gobert from last season:

And then here’s one from Saturday night:

Again, it might be hard to tell the difference, but the first shot from Saturday night is from a better location on the floor and on balance. The second one from last season is falling away. A finesse shot. Now Adebayo is dictating the terms of where he shoots from more often, and that should result in a more efficient scoring season overall.