ASK IRA: Is Bam Adebayo standing as the antithesis of an All-Star participant a Heat positive?
Q: Bam Adebayo had the lowest point total of any player in the All-Star Game and only took two of the 146 shots that the East team attempted. Weren’t you surprised that being named a starter didn’t bring out some more offensive aggressiveness than what he displayed? – Henry, West Palm Beach.
A: I actually am surprised how this somehow has become a narrative from the All-Star Game, as if being a selfless athlete who does the little (and big things) that count in meaningful basketball could be so marginalized in a ball-hogging exhibition. Bam Adebayo tries to play basketball in the NBA All-Star Game, a fool’s errand with the way the NBA’s showcase has been trending. And you know what, who cares? Yes, you could argue that Bam’s success is a product of the Heat system. Or you could argue the Heat’s success in reaching the East finals three of the past four years is a product of Bam’s defensive-minded, team-oriented selflessness. Bam had his moment inbounding off the back of Nikola Jokic and then converting his 3-pointer. And then he got out of the way of everything that has become wrong about the All-Star Game. Bam 1, All-Star Game 0.
Q: Totally cool with Bam Adebayo shooting the 3 and then chilling. Need him healthy and ready to go for the last 27. – Douglas.
A: Exactly. There will be plenty of heavy lifting for Bam Adebayo over the remaining games that actually count, including five remaining back-to-back sets. As it is, unless a move is made at the buyout deadline, he will stand as the Heat’s lone rim protector the rest of the way. He got introduced as a starter Sunday and did not get hurt. Win-win.
Q: The potential answer for keeping Jimmy Butler fresher is so clear: Take Jimmy Butler down 20% in minutes, to about 28. Now, he doesn’t have to conserve himself to get to the 35th. The key here would be to: A. Allow JB to remain healthy; B. Eliminate lethargic court minutes; C. Show more trust in your players. There is literally nothing JB can do about getting older, while other guys who aren’t playing could be getting better with more floor action. – Rich, Plantation.
A: Which is all well and good. But as it is, there are those concerned about him typically sitting out the first half of fourth quarters. Now you are suggesting even more idle time. While that might have been an answer with the Heat whole, without Terry Rozier, and to a degree without Josh Richardson, that would leave the Heat in the non-Butler minutes with precious little shot creation outside of Tyler Herro. Now, when the Heat are fully healthy, that could be a different story.