After finding some success — particularly defensively — last season, it’s been a struggle for the Miami Heat with Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware together.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has been open, on multiple occasions, about wanting to see more from them together. Heading into the New Year, the big man duo sported a minus-11.3 NET Rating in 202 minutes, compared to a 6.42 NET when at least one — or both — were off.
Better yet, the Heat were allowing 124.2 points per 100 possessions with a 66.4 defensive rebound percentage, both significantly below-average marks relative to most (starting) frontcourt duos. Spoelstra’s feelings were justified. It was imperative that, regardless of the lineup combinations he deployed, they showed some inklings of success together despite the lack of frontcourt depth behind them.
In Thursday’s six-point win against the Detroit Pistons, they did.
The Adebayo-Ware pairing outscored Detroit by six in 17 minutes, registering a plus-18.6 NET. That plus-six was the result when they were surrounded by Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins, their second-highest single-game plus-minus — and oftentimes flawed stat — in a single game this season.
Adebayo and Ware combined for 27 rebounds in the winning effort. When they shared the floor, they sported an 85.7 defensive rebound percentage, whose frontcourt is led by Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson.
Spoelstra lauded their efforts on the glass after their six-point win over the East’s top team.
“I think this (win) was important for us to get because this wasn’t a game where we put 140 (points) on the board,” Spoelstra told reporters. “[Bam Adebayo] and [Kel’el Ware] were terrific and physical on the glass; 14 rebounds from Bam and 13 from Kel’el. The offensive rebounds: Bam had 4, Kel’el had 3, [Andrew Wiggins] had 5.”
Spoelstra credited the Pistons’ defense for mucking up the Heat’s halfcourt offense, saying his group needed those extra possessions on the margins.
“Detroit’s a good defensive team,” he said. “In the halfcourt, they make it tough. So, sometimes you need to get some of those possessions in the mud, and we were able to get some second opportunities. It’s a different way for us to impact the game.”
The Heat’s win over the Pistons was a statement win. It was their seventh road win of the season, but second away from home against an opponent with a .500 record or better. They have struggled against the league’s best, too. They fought off those demons inside Little Caesars Arena after Detroit had its way with Miami in late November.
That said, it was very important to see Adebayo and Ware stack together a quality performance defensively. Neither was particularly efficient offensively but both had two of their better defensive games together. Powell, Mitchell and Wiggins — as well as Jaime Jaquez Jr. — took care of business on that end, however.
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Excellent article on Riley’s experience in 1966 NCAA Championship game playing for all white Kentucky against Texas Western (now UTEP) with an all black starting 5. Interesting to note Riley grew up in New York and was accustomed to competing against black athletes.
Pat Riley after losing 1966 title game with Kentucky vs. a team of only Black players: “They dominated us… I felt miserable”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/pat-riley-after-losing-1966-title-game-with-kentucky-vs-a-team-of-only-black-players-they-dominated-us-i-felt-miserable/ar-AA1Tt1vB?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=6958d35710ea419ab3df43bd6c79d968&ei=75
I agree. However, waiting for a “potential” pie in the sky trade sucks. There is no guarantee Miami will get Giannis and no telling what the Heat would need to give up to do so. The team has been left at the alter more than once.
“If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
This is the time to be proactive, not reactive or idle. Riley should take a complete inventory of the team’s assets and plan the future accordingly.
CONTRACTS EXPIRING IN 2025-2026
CONTRACTS EXPIRING IN 2026-2027
CONTRACTS EXPIRING IN 2027-2028
CONTRACTS EXPIRING IN 2028-2029
CONTRACTS EXPIRING IN 2029-2030
PRIORITIES PRIOR TO TRADE DEADLINE*
* Re-integrate Herro into the rotation when he is healthy. He should be assigned to the second unit until he is acclimated to the pace and style of play and his new role.
Everything I am reading is indicating the Bucks have no interest in trading Giannis and that they are more likely to add than subtract by the trade deadline. I hope the Heat explore AND execute trades to improve the team and not wait until it’s too late. With Herro having minimal trade value, the team will need to find a trading partner in a similar situation. Since Murray and Herro have both missed most or all of the season, that would be feasible. But I believe a sweetener would be needed, possibly Kas, and maybe a second round pick. For all his talent, Ja also doesn’t have great trade value at this point. Poor shooting, poor defense, poor attitude. As I’ve said, if we got him on the cheap (Herro, Kas, and a future lottery protected first round pick maybe), fine. If they want much more, pass. If we could get a backup center who can defend and rebound and score an occasional lob or putback, that’d be great.
Test
Pairings, combos, even a whole team with new faces of course needs to be given enough time to work together. Part of the process. We’re fortunate this particular pairing is going well now. Some fans where already calling for a Ware trade early on now he’s kinda untouchable. Knee-jerk reaction been saying that. Ware just needed a little push from #spocoty hehe.
Out of topic. Anyone noticed Tyler not with team the past games? And in that Indy game he barely moves in his seat claps occasionally. Something might be brewing. Pat what are you up to?
one one wayer in det next one wayer headed to ??.every guy can guard on team that plays fonzi doesnt play anymore
I think splitting up Bam and Ware via a trade is a bad idea. Together, they can be a front court force in the NBA for years
If Miami is going to trade for a ss or at least a legit all star, it needs to be at the PG or SF position. In addition, the Heat should do it by trading Herro, Wiggins, draft picks and fillers. That isn’t going to be easy to do, but it is possible.
Meanwhile, Miami needs to do whatever it can to upgrade the front court rotation to go with Bam and Ware and keep looking for a trade target that will take the team to the next level. There are several teams that are clearly headed to being in the 2026 lottery. Riley might find a good trade candidate among those teams.