The Miami Heat have recently hit somewhat of a hot stretch, going 6-4 in their last 10 games, which included a four-game win streak. Two of those wins came against quality opponents, the Denver Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons, back-to-back. The Heat haven't rounded the corner completely just yet, but they're showing signs of life, which can't be said for how December started for them.
Even in Miami's recent turnaround, one major factor continues to disappoint, and that's where Bam Adebayo falls into the picture — he's not playing great. Yet, the Heat, being led by star role player Norman Powell, are back in the Eastern Conference picture, albeit it will likely lead to another play-in spot.
Adebayo could also turn the corner, as Miami does the same. That said, the Heat are not getting what they need from their three-time NBA All-Star, and you have to wonder if Adebayo were averaging more than 20 points per game, they might have looked better this season. Nevertheless, despite his down season, Adebayo does have something to celebrate.
Bam Adebayo ties second all-time in Heat franchise for field goals made, but needs to increase his PPG before it's too late.
Adebayo is averaging 17.3 points per game this season, a mark he hasn't sunk to since the Heat went on their bubble finals run during the 2019-20 season. While this year's numbers aren't as bad as his 2019-20 season (he averaged 15.9 points), they are his lowest since, and it's happening at the worst time for the Heat, who are without a superstar to carry the team.
Bam's field goal percentage is also down this season at 45.6%, compared to 48.5% last season. Going back to last year, Adeybayo has focused more attention on his three-point shooting, which has obviously played a role in his decreased shooting percentage. December was not kind to Adebayo, considering that to start the season, he was shooting well, but that shifted.
While it doesn't directly help the Heat in their games and record, Adebayo recently tied for second in franchise history with Glen Rice for field goals made. Rice, who played with the Heat from 1989-90 to 1994-95, made a total of 3,604 field goals in Miami before continuing his career with the Charlotte Hornets.
Adebayo has played for the Heat his entire NBA career thus far, so the achievement is worth celebrating. He will surpass Rice this week and become the Heat franchise's sole player in second place. Who does Bam have to catch next? None other than Heat legend Dwayne Wade himself. That said, Wade's mark of 7,842 field goals made means that Adebayo has a long trek ahead, and even still, it's possible Wade's record could remain untouched.
Franchise mark aside, Adebayo must increase his production for the Heat before they go down another December-like slide that could derail their season completely.