Heat stops with Bama Adebayo in full doubt

Miami has hampered a good start to the season by conceding eight losses in its last nine games, and has just hit rock bottom in the lost by 21 points at home to Toronto (91-112). At the heart of the many questions Erik Spoelstra must face is a case in particular Bam Adebayoin free fall in terms of address and effectiveness in attack.

Doc within 28 years has shot 46.6% since the start of the season, the worst average of his career, the trend has gotten even worse in the last four games with a delicate shooting 18/48 (37.5%) for just 11.8 points on average.

“Terrible, but it’s part of the NBA”, regrets the interior of Florida. “It’s a long season, so I have to fight no matter what comes my way. I have to find a way to make an impact in the win, not focus on those shots that aren’t going. Just play basketball and the shots will eventually fall.”

Departures that changed the game

In his defense, the change in game philosophy the Heat have developed since the departure of Jimmy Butler makes him stand out less. Miami plays faster and is also the NBA team that uses the fewest screens and carries.

And the departure of Duncan Robinson, with whom he used to combine, was not in his favor either.

“I’m just trying to find solutions. We play at a higher tempo, it’s more of a free-flowing, rhythm-based attack where you receive the ball and attack the rim. So I have to find my place, where I can have my open shots and take them with confidence.”he adds, before handing the ball back to his coach regarding its use. “Our coach knows better than I do. So you better ask him instead of me.”

Support from Norman Powell

Erik Spoelstra acknowledged his share of responsibility, adding that he is currently working on how to highlight him again, perhaps calling more systems for him on the set.

“I have to be better for him”the Florida coach admitted. “But he’s got the right mindset. He wants to help the team as much as he can. He’s a great competitor. This bad moment is weighing on him, like it would weigh on a coach. He’s hanging on and we’re doing everything together to come together and find a way to win and then win again.”

While he waits to find a way to make better use of him, Bam Adebayo can count on the support of Norman Powell who also hopes that Erik Spoelstra can find the magic formula to make his 5 position impact again.

“I talk to him a lot and try to find him based on his strengths, in the mid-range where he can shoot, go in isolation, pass-and-go and pick-and-roll, and get him to play close to the rim. The more we do that, the more he’ll be able to make the right reads and get his game back. I definitely think we need that for him and for him to find some touch on offense.”

Salvation for the Heat, who return to a balanced record (15-15) before their next trip to Atlanta on Friday, may come through this one.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.