Q: Are fans in Miami too hard on Bam Adebayo? We all wish Bam hit four or five more shots a game. It seems like Bam’s national exposure can only help make Miami a destination for NBA players. The future is bright. – Stuart, Miami.
A: Your last point is significant, with Damian Lillard the most recent to speak about the league-wide perception of Bam Adebayo as an ultimate teammate, respect developed from their time with USA Basketball. What sometimes gets lost with the general public is the nuance of Bam’s game that can get lost in the boxscore. But it also comes down to expectations. Bam Adebayo is not a leading man; he does not have that offensive bent or offensive game. He can get you 30, but his game is not designed to get that on a regular basis. And because of his hybrid game, you can see the frustration from outsiders of how he is neither the prototypic power forward nor a classic center. The best way to consider Adebayo’s out-of-box game is to think out of the box. But you insist on absolutes then you perhaps could classify Bam as the best hybrid big man in the game.
Q: Ira, is this sayonara for Max Strus and probably Gabe Vincent after the NBA Finals? At least now Pat Riley won’t once again overpay for mediocre talent. – Joel, Fort Lauderdale.
A: First, that is an overly harsh assessment for contributors to an NBA Finals team. Both are quality NBA players when cast in the proper roles. For the Heat, there will have to be perspective with both, including the perspective that by being over the salary-cap the Heat will be limited in being able to sign replacements if either or both depart. At the right price, I would think the Heat would want both back. And at their desired price, I’m sure both would prefer to return. Can there be a happy medium?
Q: Can the Heat beat the Nuggets like the Warriors did last year in the playoffs, when they played small ball and shot the 3-ball well? – Jeff, Palm Beach Shores.
A: Sure, if they shoot the 3-pointer very, very well, which basically was how the Heat got to these Finals. That’s what the Heat are trying to do. And that is what Denver, with considerable success, has been attempting to prevent.