From Inside The Heat · · 2m
Kendrick Perkins Calls Out Bam Adebayo After Heat's Opening Loss
Kendrick Perkins demands Bam Adebayo elevate his game after Miami's 131-106 loss to Minnesota.
In brief
Kendrick Perkins demands Bam Adebayo elevate his game after Miami's 131-106 loss to Minnesota. Kendrick Perkins says Bam Adebayo must become a more consistent offensive threat for Miami to succeed. Originally reported by Inside The Heat.
Heat lose opening game
The Miami Heat lost their home opener 131-106 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Perkins criticizes Adebayo
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins questioned whether Bam Adebayo can take the next step offensively.
Perkins' demands for Adebayo
Perkins said Adebayo needs to average 25 points to be an all nba caliber player.
Perkins' quote on Adebayo
First round exit in the eastern conference. Giannis is a generational talent. We know what he’s going to bring to the table but when is bam going to take the leap from being an all…
“First round exit in the Eastern Conference. Giannis is a generational talent. We know what he’s going to bring to the table but when is Bam going to take the leap from being an All Star caliber player, to all NBA caliber player? Averaging 18-20 PPG, that’s not going to cut it. You got to average 25! It’s time for Bam to elevate his game”
Adebayo's offensive role
The Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo to give the team a legitimate superstar who can carry the offense.
Adebayo's defensive strengths
Bam is arguably the most versatile defensive big man in basketball and a key part of Miami's defensive identity.
Adebayo's passing ability
Bam is one of the league's better passing bigs, which should open up opportunities for Giannis cutting toward the basket.
Adebayo's scoring performance
Bam averages 18 to 22 points per game and plays elite defense.
Starting lineup struggles
Miami's starting unit played poorly together against Minnesota, especially defensively.
Giannis and Bam stats
In 16 minutes together, Giannis and Bam posted a 102 offensive rating and 132 defensive rating.
Bam and Mitchell stats
Bam and Davion Mitchell combined for a minus-40 net rating.
Spoelstra's role
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra needs to figure out how to use Giannis and Bam together.
Perkins' fair criticism
Perkins is right that Bam needs to become a more consistent offensive threat for Miami.
What's next for Adebayo
The Heat need Bam to be decisive, confident, and willing to take over stretches of games.
What to remember
Kendrick Perkins says Bam Adebayo must become a more consistent offensive threat for Miami to succeed.
