Q: Is Bam Adebayo a max player and should the Heat have paid him as a max player? Does the amount he’s paid impact the team negatively by handicapping its options to build a championship team? Do you think that the team wins Wednesday night if Bam actually dominated like a max player?– Brian, Miami Shores.
A: I’m not going to get into the contract, because this is not the time. But I will address Bam Adebayo’s performance from Wednesday night, because there were plenty of questions submitted this way in that regard. Here’s the deal: He closed with 11 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. Yes, he was just 3 of 9 from the field, but that also included 1 of 5 on 3-pointers. From the outset, it was clear the Heat’s approach was to take any 3-pointer available. So Bam followed the gameplan. Only one fell, and his rhythm was busted. He did as asked, it just didn’t work. Bam getting to work his game out to the 3-point line likely would have created better rhythm. So he did as asked on offense, while making sure he attacked the boards and set up teammates to score. I don’t look at that as a fail.
Q: Erik Spoelstra lost this game by leaving a rusty Nikola Jovic in. Where was Andrew Wiggins? – Harvey, Davie.
A: At the scorers’ table midway through the fourth quarter, and then the Heat continued to rally. The problem wasn’t necessarily Nikola Jovic remaining in the game. The problem was his shot selection, refusing to recognize he was off with his 3-pointers. His rebounding mattered, as did his ballhandling and creativity. As for Wiggins, it was as if he wasn’t there even when he was on the court.
Q: Could you see Nikola Jovic starting with Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware coming off the bench? Ware has been awful in this series so far. – Mason.
A: I can’t, because Jarrett Allen is the lone matchup where Kel’el Ware even has a chance in the series. So you might as well ride him at the start, because the open of each half might be his only opportunity not to wind up against a versatile scorer. If Kel’el doesn’t start, he may not play. But if the Heat do opt to go small, I would think Haywood Highsmith in that case, with Bam Adebayo back to being cast at center.
