Heat already had math problem in the middle, with Adebayo’s ailing foot compounding the interest
The Miami Heat’s issues at center were visible even before Bam Adebayo left Wednesday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter. The team’s lack of depth in the middle became more severe once Adebayo limped off the court and into the locker room at Ball Arena.
With tests scheduled Thursday on Adebayo’s left foot, the question remains whether Erik Spoelstra’s squad can stay competitive while relying on limited depth at center. The Heat entered the season with only two players, Adebayo and second-year Kel’el Ware, capable of filling that role.
“We only got two, true — I mean Bam’s not a true center — guys that can play the five on this team,” said veteran guard Norman Powell. “So him going down, we’ve got to go small ball a lot. So it’s definitely tough.”
The challenge was clear in the numbers: Miami was outrebounded 61–38 and surrendered 21–5 on the offensive glass. At times, Nikola Jovic had to shift to center, while undersized Keshad Johnson was also used in the middle rotation.
Author’s Summary
The Heat’s lack of true centers became a glaring issue as Bam Adebayo’s foot injury exposed their fragile depth and forced the team into a small-ball strategy.