“The shot will turn”

One of the main reasons – if not the main reason – for the Miami Heat’s 9-10 start was Bam Adebayo’s unusual shooting issues.

Since becoming a full-time starter in 2019, Adebayo has averaged the fewest points (15.6) and lowest shooting percentage (41.9%) through the first 19 games this season, including 6 for 18 for 15 in Monday night’s blowout loss the Celtics in Boston.

It’s unclear what happened to Adebayo’s shot, but it’s obvious something was affecting him. Adebayo has attempted 267 shots this season, so it’s no longer just a small sample size.

Slow starts are uncharacteristic for Adebayo, who enters the season as a prime example of heat conditioning. He scored 20 or more points in 13 of his first 18 games last season, but he has only reached 20 points in five of his first 18 games this season.

“It’s not about losing confidence in myself,” Adebayo told reporters after Monday night’s defeat. “You can’t think too much about the game because otherwise you’ll make other mistakes.

“It’s one of those things where I just miss a shot,” he continued. “I don’t really look into it closely. I feel like the attitude turns around at some point and then it goes up again.”

The Heat need Adebayo’s shot to get going soon. Games against Anthony Davis and the Lakers, Jusuf Nurkic and the Suns, and the Cavaliers’ jumbo front line of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will test Adebayo. For the Heat to win any of these games, Adebayo will need to win his match, especially with Jimmy Butler dealing with a knee injury.

Adebayo, who made 52% of his shots last season, is shooting 42% overall this season. He has put in some outstanding performances, but this season he has only matched last year’s strike rate in four of his 19 games. He’s also already shot under 30% in more games this season (four) than he did all of last season (three).

The main culprit is Adebayo’s touch in the unrestricted paint area. According to Basketball-Reference, Adebayo is hitting 38.9% on shots from 3 to 10 feet from the basket. He made 51.5% of those shots last season.

That’s a steep decline at a sweet spot for Adebayo, who has taken more shots from that area of ​​the court (46.4%) than anyone else in his career.

This is an inexcusable mistake and Adebayo doesn’t miss everyone in the same way. Of six jumpers in action, Adebayo missed four long ones and two short ones. This can be a sign that you are thinking too much.

Luckily for Adebayo, he went 4 for 6 in the fourth quarter of Monday’s game. The outcome was all but decided at that point, but perhaps these unnecessary reps could give Adebayo something to build on.

Despite his shooting difficulties, Adebayo continues to be one of the most effective defenders in the league. He ranks 14th in Defensive EPM according to DunksAndThrees.com. He is also averaging the most assists since 2021 and a career-high in offensive rebounds.

“Misses are one thing, but he continues to find a way to impact the game,” Herro said. “He’s going to get his looks and he’s going to make his shots. We know what he’s capable of. I don’t think he has any problems.”