Simone Fontecchio just made arguably the boldest claim about the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo duo yet, stating that they might be the best defensive frontcourt in the NBA.
If that is indeed the case, the Heat are going to be a much bigger threat in the Eastern Conference right away than most realize. Because if the Heat are going to be one of the best defensive teams in the league, because of Giannis and Bam, it certainly helps calm the current worries on the other end of the floor.
That doesn't mean that the schemes and players on the offensive end of the floor won't matter, but it offers much more forgiveness.
Heat's focal point this season will fall on the defensive end of the floor
Fontecchio made this admission while speaking to his fit next to Giannis and Bam after he re-signed with the Heat during the first few days of free agency. Hidden in the response of his fit was the claim that many seem to be overlooking. He also notes how the offense is much less of a concern because of their possibilities defensively.
"They might be the best frontcourt in the NBA defensively. Offensively with the force they play with, it’s going to be super interesting. We are going to find a way and [Erik Spoelstra] will find to make it work as he did last year with a completely new offense. We’ll definitely find a way.”
While the concerns about the backcourt, especially on offense, are certainly fair. However, the Heat have almost always prioritized the defensive end of the floor first. It more often than not fuels what they like to do offensively. And, as Fontecchio reiterated, Spo always seems to figure it out.
That's not going to change with Giannis and Bam. In fact, prioritizing the defensive end of the floor (and excelling at it) should make offense that much easier for the team.
This Heat team will be special because of their defense
That's something that has always been the case for Miami. That's what Fontecchio is speaking to here.
As special as Giannis is with the ball in his hands on the offensive end of the floor, it's his defensive potential (next to Bam) that is truly going to make this Heat team special.
Especially in the year one build around Giannis, it's the Heat's defense that will be at the forefront of their success. And if that is going to be the case, it will largely be because of the greatness between Giannis and Bam as a defensive duo.
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