Miami Heat’s Assist Surge Highlights Adebayo and Herro’s Uncharacteristic Roles
The Miami Heat have taken their game to another level this season, showcasing a newfound offensive fluidity that has propelled them to an impressive average of 30.2 assists per game. This marks a significant increase from last season’s 26.4, elevating the Heat from 14th to an impressive second place in the NBA. The team’s commitment to a free-flowing, read-and-react style of play has resulted in a more inclusive offensive attack, where contributions have come from various players.
Rising Playmakers in the Mix
Among those leading the charge is Davion Mitchell, who has emerged as a pivotal playmaker for Miami, averaging a career-high 7.8 assists. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has also made a significant impact, contributing 5.2 assists per game before a recent health setback sidelined him. The diverse skill set of the roster has allowed different players to step up, but interestingly, this trend has left the Heat’s two longest-tenured stars—Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro—somewhat sidelined in the playmaking department.
Adebayo and Herro’s Assist Numbers Raise Eyebrows
Currently, Adebayo ranks seventh on the team with just 2.5 assists per game, marking his lowest average since his second season in 2018-19, when he primarily played a backup role to Hassan Whiteside. Meanwhile, Herro’s return from ankle surgery has been less than stellar. He has played only five games since his comeback and is averaging 2.2 assists, placing him ninth on the team. While Herro has been a scoring threat—averaging 23.8 points per game—his playmaking responsibilities have diminished, leading to a noticeable gap in his assist totals.
The Impact of Offensive Dynamics
The Heat’s success in spreading the ball around has resulted in contributions from other players like Pelle Larsson and Dru Smith, who have averaged 3.4 and 3.0 assists, respectively. However, the fact that Andrew Wiggins, a player known more for his scoring than his playmaking, is averaging the same number of assists as Herro and Adebayo raises concerns. Adebayo has not been utilized as a central hub in the offense as much as in previous seasons, while Herro is encountering fewer double teams. This shift, although seemingly beneficial, has limited their opportunities to create for others.
The Road Ahead as Playoffs Approach
While some of the struggles can be attributed to missed shots by teammates, the current assist statistics for Adebayo and Herro are worth monitoring. As the playoffs approach, teams tend to rely heavily on their experienced players. The Heat will likely need to lean on Adebayo and Herro in high-pressure moments, emphasizing the importance of their ability to make the right plays and facilitate scoring opportunities for the team. Their performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the Heat’s success as they aim for a deep playoff run.
