For the Miami Heat, the Bam Adebayo era is already here

From AJ on X…

With Jimmy’s Era coming to a close soon, is Miami’s next Era Bam’s? And if so, what timetable would you put on his era?  If not, what direction do you think Miami would go in post-Jimmy?

I’d argue we’ve already transitioned into the Bam Adebayo era. 

While I’ll preface this by saying usage rating isn’t everything, it’s certainly something and is a worthwhile starting point. Here’s a chart illustrating the change in usage rating for Bam and Jimmy over the last five years.

Adebayo overtook Butler in usage rating two years ago, and the gap is growing wider. Now, part of that is due to Butler’s laissez-faire approach to the regular season, which has thrust Adebayo and Tyler Herro into higher usage roles, but Bam’s increased responsibilities are also reflected in the offense.

At the start of the Butler era, Adebayo mostly functioned as a dribble-handoff vehicle at the top of the arc. Over the last few years, 13 has ventured closer to the basket and set up shop near the free-throw line. Most of his shots come in the mid-range, the residence of stars.

Meanwhile, Butler has taken more of a backseat. The offense is less built around him and benefits more from his occasional cameos. Bam is Jerry. Jimmy is Kramer.

The Heat would like Butler to take on a starring role more often, and that could happen if he’s more motivated and engaged this regular season. But even that would be coming in what could be a contract year, and Butler’s future in Miami is uncertain after failing to secure a maximum contract extension this summer.

Meanwhile, Adebayo and the Heat quickly agreed to a new deal. Adebayo signed a three-year, $165 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2029. Butler can be a free agent as soon as next summer. Right now, Adebayo is the only Heat player whose contract takes him beyond 2028. 

As for a timetable, Adebayo is 27. He’s in the thick of his prime and should remain there into his early 30s. He’s graduated from dribble-handoff guy to offensive fulcrum, flashing more one-on-one ability and experimenting with his 3-point shooting, all while playing DPOY-caliber defense.

His championship window should be open for another half-decade, and the Heat are set up for that to happen. The Heat could have maximum cap space by 2026. Adebayo will be 29 then, the same age Dwyane Wade was when LeBron James signed with the Heat in 2010. 

Potential free agents in 2026 include Team USA teammates Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant. All will be well into their 30s at that point. Others more closely aligned to Bam’s timeline include Luka Doncic, Trae Young and De’Aaron Fox.

If and when Butler leaves the Heat, the organization will do as they always have and try to add more star talent. Adebayo is best when paired with a No. 1 offensive option that allows him to do all the other things he does at an elite level. 

Finding that player will be difficult, but there are plenty of stars who appreciate Bam for what he does and how he can amplify the best scorers in the game. As the face of the Heat, he might already be making those connections around the league.