Once perennial contenders, the Miami Heat are experiencing a difficult season.
When the Miami Heat assess their season so far, the one obvious reason for their very mediocre 22-22 record is the controversy with Jimmy Butler.
Jimmy Butler’s clear desire to be traded away has led to him being suspended for nine games, and has caused a clear distraction for the players and coaching staff.
It’s a fair cop, with the team’s star player either disengaged or absent. But does it cover everything wrong with the Heat?
Bam Adebayo criticized
For the second time over the past week, ESPN analyst and former NBA player Kendrick Perkins has taken aim at the Miami Heat.
Perkins had Pat Riley to trade Jimmy Butler, arguing that his entire approach to the situation has been outdated.
He posted on X that he is not impressed with Bam Adebayo, feeling his performances have not matched to his own expectations.
Perkins wrote: “What the hell is wrong with Bam. I thought this would be the year for him to take a serious leap but that has not been the case.”
Bam Adebayo has stepped up as the Miami Heat’s leader amid the Jimmy Butler disaster, offering key advice to younger players.
Adebayo scored 17 points in the 106-97 win over the Brooklyn Nets, this was Adebayo’s biggest haul since January 8.
While Perkins expected Adebayo to improve in 2024-25, his scoring has actually gone backwards.
Last season Adebayo averaged 19.3 points per game, while this season he has slipped to 15.6 per game.
How much of this is on Adebayo himself, and how much can be attributed to the Jimmy Butler situation, is a debate that may rage on.