3 reasons to be excited about the Miami Heat for the 2022-23 season

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 26: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks is defended by Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round at FTX Arena on April 26, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Bam Adebayo’s defensive brilliance for the Miami Heat

Adebayo still has room to grow on the offensive end of the floor, but he’s already a perennial defensive player of the year candidate. Unlike most centers who find their way onto that ballot, Adebayo does it as much with his switchability as he does with his rim protection.

Adebayo is an excellent shot blocker, but what sets him apart from his peers is his exceptional feet on the perimeter. Spoelstra knows he can comfortably switch any pick-and-roll with Adebayo. The photo above shows him matched up with Trae Young in the postseason. That’s just one example of countless times when the Heat were able to take advantage of Adebayo’s unique skill set.

Switching out onto a point guard and forcing a contested two may not be the sexiest play a center can make, but it’s a play Heat fans should appreciate more than any other franchise. Adebayo powers their defensive scheme with his versatility. He comfortably profiles as a top-five finisher in the defensive player of the year voting assuming he stays healthy.

The real beauty of Adebayo’s defense is that it plays up when the postseason comes around. Plodding centers like Rudy Gobert can get exposed in high-leverage matchups. Adebayo only becomes more valuable. Heat fans already appreciate his game, but they should delight it in further this season.

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