What were the initial challenges of the Adebayo-Ware pairing?
Poor spacing and difficulty finding offensive rhythm.
Sports / NBA
The Miami Heat are exploring the potential of a Bam Adebayo-Kel'el Ware frontcourt. Initially, the pairing faced challenges, but recent performances suggest a turning point. This article delves into their evolving dynamic and its implicatio...
For the first season and a half, the Miami Heat’s big man duo of Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware struggled to find a rhythm together on either end. Last season, their two most frequent lineups ranked in the 42nd and 39th percentile in NET. The results were considerably worse through Feb. 1 this season, sporting a minus-6.2 NET. However, they have begun to showcase some of their potential over the last month as the league’s most productive duo, gaining trust and opening eyes.
According to NBA.com’s lineup tracking data, when Ware and Adebayo have shared the floor together, they have outscored opponents by 109 points in 105 minutes with a league-best plus-47.8 NET Rating. Their competition hasn’t been particularly sturdy over that span, facing just three teams above .500 over that span. However, they outscored Houston’s frontcourt by 21 points and Charlotte’s by two points, while completely dominating Washington, Brooklyn and New Orleans, three of the West’s worst squads.
Most of all, Adebayo and Ware have played up to expectations both offensively and defensively. Both have spaced the floor well, while Ware’s continued to be a viable lob threat, where he’s utilized best, plus as a weakside shot blocker and rim protector.
Poor spacing and difficulty finding offensive rhythm.
Improved floor spacing, better utilization of Ware's strengths, and increased trust between the players.
Adebayo believes Ware has star potential and needs more opportunities to make mistakes and learn.
Do you think this Heat duo will continue to thrive? Let us know! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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