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Bam Adebayo says outside critics are unfairly blaming him for the Miami Heat’s 0-4 start, the franchise’s worst since the 2007-08 season. Adebayo spoke Monday following a 113-109 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Adebayo managed eight points on 3-of-10 shooting against Dallas and went 0-for-5 from 3-point range.
“Can’t overthink basketball,” said Adebayo. “For me, my shot not going in. I’m not going to overthink that.
“You know, it’s funny how the outside noise wants to make me the scapegoat. But when the tables turn, just all that energy -- when the energy shifts -- just be prepared for that.”
The Heat captain is averaging 11.8 points and 7.3 rebounds on 40% shooting through four games. Adebayo has connected on just 16.7% of his 3-point attempts. A modest decline was anticipated after Miami landed Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster offseason trade.
Asked whether Antetokounmpo’s arrival has affected his game, Adebayo pointed to his perimeter shooting.
“This year, I’m just taking more 3s,” said Adebayo. “I mean that’s that’s really it. But like I said, it’ll fall, and when it does ... we’ll see a shift.”
Erik Spoelstra defended the three-time All-Star, saying he simply needs to see the ball go through the net.
“He had some good, clean looks,” said Spoelstra. “Just wasn’t able to capitalize on them. But I know his makeup and his resiliency. We’ll work together to find a way to get him aggressive in his spots where he’s where he’s comfortable.”
Chemistry remains a work in progress across the roster. Antetokounmpo has been Miami’s only starter with a positive true net rating in three games this season, per ESPN Research. He notched his first triple-double with the Heat on Monday.
“It’s not just Bam, it’s everybody,” said Antetokounmpo.
Davion Mitchell said Adebayo must be more aggressive offensively. He noted that Adebayo and Antetokounmpo operate in the same areas of the floor, though he expects the pairing to work over time.