The Miami Heat's first preseason game today told us a lot, offering both promising and conserving takeaways. Despite a 111-108 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, several performances stood out, showcasing potential and highlighting players who need to improve.
Stud: Bam Adebayo
Something that should excite the Heat is the ever-expanding offensive arsenal Bam Adebayo is growing into. In his 17 minutes of action in the first half, Bam hit three mid-range jumpers and made two 3s, finishing the half 5 for 9 shooting and scoring 13 points.
Bam can knock down mid-range shots consistently, and now, even adding 3-point shooting will make a big difference, especially with the Heat in need of more scoring threats moving forward.
If Bam can continue to keep defenders honest by stretching the floor, it will create even more opportunities for him to attack the rim or set up teammates. He has worked his way into becoming a shooter, which can only help elevate the Heat's offensive versatility this season.
I liked what I saw today, and it looks like Bam is about to have his best season yet.
Despite the preseason loss, several Miami Heat performances stood out, including from two important big men.
Dud : Terry Rozier
Rozier's first game back at the Spectrum Center was highly inefficient, as he failed to get into a rhythm while shooting a poor percentage from the field. Rozier was a primary scorer for the Charlotte Hornets, and he was brought into Miami before last season's trade deadline with expectations that his presence could bring some similar spark on offense. Heat fans knew his propensity to put up big numbers, and with the team needing a boost in offensive punch this season -- more so than ever -- he was expected to be a huge factor.
That was not the case today from Rozier, as he looked out of rhythm for the game and never found his flow, with poor shooting hurting the team's momentum. This could spell trouble for the Heat, with them relying on Rozier as that consistent scoring option. In that case, his inefficiency may become a liability, especially given how highly regarded he was when he was brought in.
The Heat will need Rozier to break this slump and be the dynamic scorer they know he is. Otherwise, his struggles could impact the team's overall chemistry on offense and limit their competitiveness.
Stud: Pelle Larsson
When Pelle Larsson came out with the second unit, I was surprised. Who would have expected a second-round pick to be playing quickly into the game?
Well, the Heat coaching staff knew something that the fans didn't, at least not until tonight.
Larsson, a four-year collegiate player out of Arizona, provided great shooting. He made both of his 3s and finished the contest with 10 points. Larsson was also efficient at cutting to the basket and creating opportunities for himself at the rim.
It is very early, but maybe Miami found one of those gems in the second round. It is one game, so we will see how Larsson performs for the rest of the preseason.
Dud: Kevin Love
Kevin Love just is not moving around the way he used to, two or even one year ago. He really is a liability on defense for the Heat, and in order for him to be an asset on the court, he has to shoot well from beyond the arc. Unfortunately for Heat fans, it looks like Kevin Love's career is dwindling as we speak.
For Love to maintain a role in this rotation, his shooting has to return to form. Otherwise, Spoelstra will have to explore these younger, more agile options to keep Miami's defense and overall team performance competitive.
Stud: Alec Burks
Burks was named a starter in place of the injured Tyler Herro and played like one. Burks' shot off-the-catch looks automatic, and it was today against Charlotte, shooting a perfect 3 for 3 and finishing with eight points.
Burks has that vibe of a player who, on nights that the Heat are short-handed, will be the one that rises to the occasion. He can go off on some random game when the team is down a few key players and drill seven 3s on his way to 30 points.
That is the kind of player he is, and he showed it last year in the second round when he came off the bench for the Knicks while they were dealing with many injuries and, in his last four games, averaged 18 PPG. Miami hopes they will get the same production. Tonight was a good start.
Stud: Kel'el Ware
Miami's first-round pick only played in the second half of today's preseason opener, but he was efficient, scoring 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting. He was also a monster defensively, getting four blocks in only 17 minutes.
Ware can potentially be the backup center the Heat have been missing for years. He is a long, versatile big man with immense defensive potential who can provide efficient scoring and rebounding in the paint. If he reached his ceiling, he is the kind of center every team would want.