Q: Bam Adebayo was all alone in the middle of the floor for most of the night, and looking like he wanted none of it. Brook Lopez showed him zero respect, and now they’ll probably be playing Milwaukee in the first round. This can’t keep happening with our max player. Is Hakeem Olajuwon still teaching low-post moves in the offseason? Bam should reserve his spot now. Unless, of course, Jimmy Butler handles it from here, like he said he would. — Steve, Cutler Bay.
A: Erik Spoelstra said part of Bam Adebayo’s five-point game against the Bucks was having to take on more playmaking responsibilities with Jimmy Butler out. But if that is the reasoning, then he should have started Goran Dragic, because he needed Bam in attack mode. Granted, Milwaukee packs the paint, but aggression still provides its own rewards. The saving grace? If the Heat do wind up facing the Bucks in the first round, perhaps this turns into a teachable moment for Bam and the Heat go to school on what happened Saturday night in Milwaukee.
Q: Thank goodness for Jimmy Butler, because without him, Bam Adebayo has shown a disappointing inability to lead. Five points is never, ever acceptable for a max player, no matter how you try to define max player. — Marc, Arlington, Texas.
A: Which is why the Heat hoped Victor Oladipo could be their number two, and why there likely at least will be overtures to Kyle Lowry in the offseason. If you’re asking if the Heat are a one-and-done team in the playoffs without Jimmy Butler? Yes, probably. But they will have Jimmy back, which allow Bam Adebayo to go back to being what he does best, playing as the ultimate complementary big man.
Q: Ira, I don’t care. I know seeding matters, but so does being out off the play-in tournament. So I’m going to kick back, watch the Celtics and LeBron James sweat it out, and get my Heat gear this week to the dry cleaner. — Norman.
A: Well, LeBron James and the Lakers still can avoid the play in, but there is no turning back for the Celtics. And I do agree that there is something very comforting for the Heat in being able to kick back for their longest break since the All-Star break before stepping into whatever comes next. Also, who dry cleans Heat gear? (I believe the label says “machine wash,” unless you got some of that disintegrating knock-off stuff from shady sites.)
