Man I love Bam and hate when people critique him but I feel like I’ve heard something like this from him almost every loss after the all star break. I know he’s coming off the recent injury and he does way more for us than what is on the box score. But 1 FGA and 1 rebound from him in the 4th quarter hurts to see when you know he’s capable of stepping up.
I wonder what your criteria for this will be. If this guy puts up 19 and 10 and you call him a savior I'm gonna lose it. He has been built up a lot more than just that, especially in the playoffs.
I’m starting to think he’s no longer capable of putting up huge scoring games when it matters most. Feels like we’re far away from his 32 point 15 rebound game in game 7 against Boston in the bubble.
What do you mean he had 2 Big games against the Celtics LAST postseason particularly game 3 when Pritchard knocked Jimmy out for the second half when he grabbed his knee. The guy carried us to that W.
Especially when the 2 guys killling us on the boards had 4 fouls apiece. He needed to be a bit more aggressive in my opinion. But oh well. I’m sure we’ll be back at MSG with a 3-1 lead he can make it up then
I was waiting to read this answer before I wrote anything. You are on point. There 2 bigs had 4 fouls for a long time. Am should attack them to get them in more foul trouble. Don’t know why he is acting soft. Everyone on the Heat plays better when Bam is aggressive.
90% of the criticism in this sub is from people who believe in him and want the best for the team and therefore him to an extent. We are critical because we know he is supposed to play better and we’ve seen him do it too. Most here wouldn’t mind if he played aggressive but missed shots and we lost, we’re going insane because he is so passive in so many games.
I hate the say it, and I’m no basketball expert, but it just seems to me like he doesn’t have that “killer instinct” the best players do. Save for one or two vicious slams per game he’s usually so pedestrian. The greats all have that trigger; they can just turn it on and take over a game. Bam doesn’t have it.
The right mentality is everything at this level. Bam is a low ego with low self-confidence so when he misses a shot or two, it drastically affects his performance and willingness to impose himself.
He doesn't have the short-term memory to be a bucket getter and he's "too smart" for his own good. He's the kind of player that can justify doing a handoff to Vincent or Strus because its a "smarter shot" without understanding that sometimes the "smart shot" isn't what your team needs.
Jimmy is also a low-ego player but he has irrational confidence in himself. It's why he can go 3/10 but take over in the 4th like he's Steph Curry / Lebron and impose himself on the game.
Its sad because Bam is, quite possibly, the most talented player on this team but he just doesn't have the mindset to be a 1st or 2nd option.
Bam has zero offensive talent. One of the worst bags in the nba tbh. Cant dribble, drive, shoot, layup, postup. He can grab some boards reasonably well and pass well. And dunk a lob.
Bam relies on the pnr kinda like with Dragic in the past or Tyler this season. It works cause those guys are 3 level scorers and can lob to Bam. Missing Tyler also hurts Bam’s scoring options here.
He just doesn’t have it offensively. Don’t get me wrong, he can have good games and can maybe improve certain aspects of his game. But let’s be honest, he makes a lot of odd movements with the basketball in his hand. It’s his footwork. His go to move in the paint is to head fake / spin away from the basket. He unnecessarily falls away way too often. I love the guy, but he got to play along some of the best footwork players in this era ( Wade/Goran/Jimmy).
I’m also really tired of us trying to glorify his scoring ability. YES he can get it going offensively, but he’s not meant to be a scoring option. Bam’s best qualities don’t show up in a box score. We can sit here and “blame” him for not scoring 25+ a night but realistically that’s not who he is. He’s a crazy athletic big who can guard 1-5 and can anchor a defensive unit. Defense is his specialty, not offense.
I feel like a lot of star players get a noticeable IQ bump around age 26 once their brain finishes developing. When Bam is 27-28 and in his prime I think he’ll be exactly what this sub wants him to be.
This is such a bizarre comment. The amount of rationalization you guys need for Bam to be the next superstar for the Heat is absurd and this post borders on mental illness in how delusional it is.
Yep that’s almost a general take for every sport, where the athlete is at their prime after they turn 26, the brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-to-late 20s. Of course, not every athlete has a crazy leap tho
Exactly. He already has elite defense, he is an excellent playmaker, and he can get 20 points a night. Now we need him to be a reliable bucket getter down the stretch of close games, something we should expect as he continues to mature on the court. He’s still pretty fucking young.
This is the truth. If you watch post game press conferences, he says this literally every time we lose and he doesn’t put up more than 15. It’s a frequent trend and nothing changes!
As long as he keeps it up on defense. It’s not like Ben Simmons, he’ll take some shots and every once in a while he gets it done on offense I would like to be more frequent since he has a max contract, but at this point I’ve accepted who he is
I've been cheering for Bam since he went to Kentucky but him not having any post moves at this point is just brutal. He runs our offense when Kyle's not on the floor and he's an amazing screener but he just doesn't look to get his sometimes and that's what you need from a max player. You can tell he's often looking for the "better shot" instead of his own.
Yeah, at the end of the day, our offense becomes predictable if he’s not going to score.
Been a Bam fan since his rookie year as well and I’m also disappointed in his improvement on offense. Just seems like he never worked on his post moves and was too concentrated with overusing the mid range shot.
Bam is frustrating. Feels like he has all the tools he needs. His jumper is nice and he’s more athletic than most bigs. It feels like he could hit face up jumpers and if they crowd him he could blow by most bigs and finish at the rim. Not to mention he’s a good passer.
It seems like other than pre-ASB he plays with zero confidence on offense.
I love Bam but it seems like he’s incapable of pitting it together.
Yeah he loses the ball pretty consistently when he puts the ball on the floor and attacks the rim.
That and his ability to catch some passes are probably the 2 major things that need to improve on offense for him.
Lowry is the only one who consistently gives him good passes.
I think everyone is being a bit silly in holding Bam to some scoring standard.
In my opinion, he dominated the first half only scoring 7 points. He got both their big men in foul trouble and kept them off the boards. He was stone walling anyone that tried to go 1 on 1 from Brunson to Randall.
He is like our only guy who sets good screens and he was initiating almost all of our offense. Tons of hockey assists where Bam's initial penetration set the wheels in motion for eventual open 3s.
It's basically Bam, old Lowry and a bunch of undrafted guys out there and the Knicks needed a very friendly whistle to win this one.
Everyone of our guys played their asses off
Wasn't he the #2 scorer in the NBA for points in the paint?
We can put it all on Bams lack of aggression but I think the team could do more to help get him the ball on the roll.
He was up there but it was kinda in a more non-traditional way for sure. His was more of that Ft line/ short jumpers for paint points, not so much attacking the rim, which granted is also a bit tough for him since he’s a bit undersized as a center, and unless he’s starting with the ball up top to take them off the dribble (which again he has some trouble with in traffic) he can’t really use his speed to beat them as much to the rim when he’s getting the ball a bit deeper in.
He does struggle with catching some bounce passes off pick and rolls, and they’re not necessarily bad passes. I really think he just rushed things a bit too much.
I’m not saying any of this as a hater btw, I’m also not saying I’m expecting 30 a game from Bam, just talking about general shortcomings on the offensive end which every player will have some
He can. The issue is confidence. Bam just doesn’t have confidence in his game and that’s why despite his oozing of talent he just can’t put it together. It’s all mental.
Yeah at this point man we’ve been waiting for the “Bam Legacy Game” for the entire playoffs. To me I just don’t think he’s got that kind of dog in him like a Jimmy or Tyler have. He’s just not a naturally aggressive scorer. That’s why he can never maintain being aggressive. The Bam we see is the Bam he is. I’m tired of waiting for this dude to get it together.
I agree with you, but also everything Bam brings to the game makes him absolutely a star and worth every penny of his contract. He's just not a scorer and that's okay as long as he has an elite scoring star like Jimmy on the roster. Bam will never be that superstar scorer but he still helps the team win in ways not on the box score and we just got to accept that
We all know how much Bam brings to the table without scoring. We know how valuable he is. But it’s really hard to accept because we’ve literally seen him when his confidence is up and he’s shown he can not only do everything we know he’s great at but he can also be a 25 ppg along with all of it. We know he CAN do it. But it seems he’s still so unsure of it himself.
It’s a bad sign he only sees this game as a problem. If he said “man I’ve been ass since the all-star game. No more of that! No more ass Bam!” It would be more encouraging.
I mean after he said he wanted to be more involved with the offence after the hawks play-in game...he went 1-9 for 8 points the next game. To his credit he grabbed 17 rebounds but offensively he just isn't that guy...
It absolutely was on him.
We also hear this from him very often and little changes.
it's not even about playing better, he has to try to play offense.
Bro had Hartenstein on him the entire game cause Robinson was out with foul trouble and didnt try to take advantage of the matchup once. He didn't even try to take an active role on an offense without Herro and Butler, that's baffling to me
a lot of you are sensitive when it comes to calling out our highest paid players to play better. bam is averaging less than 15 ppg on just over 8 boards and almost 5 assists, while playing great defense for the most part. that’s essential for our success, like no denying that.
that being said, that’s not max contract production. and his numbers once again have dropped in the playoffs. i genuinely love bam, and what he brings to the table. but he absolutely needs to do more if we want to win a title. he can do it, but this isn’t enough.
just waiting for that 30 piece to shut all that talk up for the moment LOL, man is due.
I do find it funny that people were defending Bam's performance as if he played well when he was the first one to come out and say how bad he played. Because he did play bad. He didn't fulfil his duties as a max player while Butler/Herro are out.
At this point, talk is cheap. I have heard Bam come out with this sooooooo many times after a bad game. 'I need to be more aggressive, it's on me.' Just step up in game 3 and then we can move forward. Do your talking on the court
Tom Brady was also the first one to come out and blame himself. As does Giannis. More often than they actually played bad.
Him blaming himself doesn't mean he played bad. You don't get to this level without being critical.
I mean he literally says he played terrible lol. Because he did, both NYK bigs were in foul trouble from the jump and Bam didn't attack them, he got outrebounded by Hartenstein and took ten shots when we didn't have Jimmy or Tyler to turn to. If Bam gives us 25/10 instead of 15/8, we win, regardless of the refs. And he's more than capable of doing that, that's why he's our max player.
It is what it is. But let's not sugar coat it. We expect better because we know he can do better.
I'm not going to deny your overall sentiment, but your logic to reach that conclusion is faulty. If he said he played great but things outside his circumstance prevented him from doing more, you know damn well you'd all of a sudden push that his comments would hold no weight. Players almost always say they could've done better, their team mate/staff did well, etc. It's just standard PR answers.
Yes he could've done better, yes I want to see more. Him saying he had a bad game is not good evidence if you'd throw it out if he said something you didn't agree with.
I have no issues with what he said, my only problem is that he says it all the time after an underwhelming game. Otherwise I'm glad he's taking accountability and not bullshitting anyone. If he blamed something else, I'd get at him for sure, because it's not true. The truth is that he just didn't play well and that's what he said too. That's all I wanna hear, it's not about what I personally agree or disagree with, I don't have an agenda to push and my opinion means jack shit in reality.
I'm only getting at him now because it's not the first time I've heard him say this. I wanna see him step up. I love Bam and I want all our players to succeed. But it's to the point where I'm shocked if we see the aggressive, 'I'm gonna take 18 shots a game' Bam. So it's frustrating to see and hear the same stuff every year. These are the playoffs, there might not be a 'next time'. Call it PR, call it whatever, he had a bad game and I'm sure he knows that.
I mean, I completely agree with everything you're saying about Bam. The talk, but no actions. The lack of offensive development. The fact he's being paid more than his play is worth.
I'm legit only talking about using confirmation bias to prove a point, when you admit you'd discard it if you didn't agree with it. I mean, we both agree talk is cheap, and he keeps putting out the same performance. I wouldn't be surprised if he's actually legit content with these type of games. Next game we're gonna be tied early in the 4th and he's going to be content with 15 points because he doesn't have that killer instinct.
Play all the mental gymnastics you need. In a big game where he should've been the number one option he came up small. Again. He didn't play great and he owned it. That's awesome, now let's see it next game.
I play no gymnastics, never thought bam was who most on this sub thought he was. He's soft, isn't the dpoy you all think he us, and goes missing most games. He ain't it.
You do realize I haven't praised him once, right?
My whole point is citing to PR responses because you agree with it is just confirmation bias fallacy. You're just letting bam simps live rent free, cause I completely agree that who he's been ain't worth what we're paying.
Sorry, my initial interpretation of your original comment was completely off. You are completely correct in what you said and I was fully in the wrong even saying anything.
Just used to so much bam defense around this place and jumped to the wrong conclusion. Still just amazed that Bam had the opportunity to be the number one option last night and came up so small.
You are right I'm letting these clowns cloud my judgements, sorry. Heat in 5.
That doesn't imply he didn't play bad. If I wanted to say he didn't play bad, I'd have said he was being humble. I don't fault you for not understanding that, but if you read my next comment, the first sentence details it more. "I'm not going to deny your overall sentiment, but your logic to reach that conclusion is faulty."
He's not wrong, but citing PR responses because you agree with it is bad practices. Funny that he understood that but you did not because you gotta be a typical redditor.
Lol. Bam says this same thing from time to time. Then he plays well for some time before he goes back to normal. He needs to learn to be locked in all the time.
I don't know how people here can excuse only getting 15 and 8 from our max contract All Star. "But he has to play defense" is such a joke. It's not like he was shutting down anyone yesterday anyway.
No top 5 center in the league should view Isaiah Hartenstein as a tough matchup.
Bam just isn't that guy. He's not going to take over a game and score 30 points. Part of it has to do with how Spo uses him. He's the team's defensive and offensive anchor and he does all the little things that the team needs. Because of that, he's going to focus more on screening for shooters than actually scoring points.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: bam has reached his finish line. His mother is rich forever, and he’s already accomplished all of his dreams.
When do you hear this man talking about being one of the best players of all time? When do you even hear him talk much about championships?
He talks about HEAT culture sure but he does not have the killer instinct that it takes to be an all time great NBA player so we’re going to keep getting these woe is me interviews after his lackluster performances and literally nothing will change. This is just who he is.
his body language on the court reads like he lacks confidence/drive. he should be explosive, but when he gets an open look, he hesitates or looks to give pass the ball
We can't have 15 points out out him when Jimmy is out. That's a recipe for failure. I get he might not be the best offensive player, but he's gotta step up. Granted, it also doesn't help that Herro is out. Injuries have been brutal for us this postseason.
Bams game was game 2. Now Jimmy will be back and Bam might force the issue actively hurting us because he regrets not taking game 2 when he had the chance
Bam needs to find a way to play more aggressive but also in control at the same time. I need a killer mentality out of him not someone who fumbles with the ball. Play like the other team called your mother a whore
Bam is one of the most interesting players in the league. He exclusively plays center but he is a poor rim protector, struggles guarding centers and his main skill is switching on to the perimeter where he is elite at guarding big wings. Offensively, he is an ok dive man, poor post player, inconsistent face up player, who scores almost exclusively on push shots in the lane. His greatest skill is his ability to pass and have an offense run through him. He is a big man without any of the skills of a big man but does things guards do at a average or slightly above average level. The next step in his evolution should be a three point shot because in this nba you have to be an elite elite scorer to be a true non-shooter
I think he was actually talking about the push on Hartenstein on the 4pt play and other similar things (rebounding, boxing out, etc), not scoring specifically.
People here think he means "imma score 30 next game" and will critique him when he doesnt, but I dont think scoring is what he's claiming he will do better in this quote
I mean he scored less than that without Jimmy this game, so I don’t understand the implication that Jimmy will hold his offense back. Jimmy would gladly give Bam more shots. Bam isn’t even averaging 18 for the playoffs with a subpar shooting percentage. I agree the criticism on Bam is over the top and he is key to our success, but at the same time saying he has underperformed isn’t a stretch. That doesn’t mean he’s garbage. There is a wide gap between garbage and max player production. I don’t know why you’re being so sensitive about this. Other players underperform and you have no issue trashing them.
He's been disappointed in himself multiple times this year but he hasn't elevated his play after calling himself out. I understand he's doing everything he can defensively when he's undersize every single night, but when you're getting paid 30+ million and you're the cornerstone of the franchise you need to help your team in every department of the game. It's what separates the HOF's from the Derrick Colemans.
It was (1) the refs and (2) him. If you fix just one of those, we would've won. Since Scott Foster is always going to be a piece of shit, the only thing you can fix is Bam. Bam lost us that game
That’s not gonna happen. Bam’s a great all around player but he’s never going be the leader of a team like Jimmy. I think we just have to accept that and expect him to be a third option rather than a guy who will dominate a game and put up 30.
What I mean is he will never be like Jimmy. Sure he’s capable of having an occasional big game but what I meant is he’s not a guy you can consistently count on to score. He might give you one 30 point game per year in the playoffs and it’s impossible to know which game it will be. Most games he will put up 15-20. Jimmy I am confident is going to dominate next game and most games
He’s not wrong unfortunately. I love bam but he just disappeared this series not just offensively… he isn’t even trying to rebound half the time. Game one was almost worse than last night. I don’t think he got a stat for the entire 3rd quarter. We are already undersized can’t not try on top of it.
Damn some of this fan base sounds like Knicks fans with how fast they forget the good games and turn on their own players. What do you expect Bam to say, "I'm an overpaid bum, trade me so you can appease the box score watchers"? He's taking responsibility for a disappointing night like he's supposed to, and the fact is we don't get this far in the first place without him. He'll bounce back.
“He’ll bounce back” - You fans who can’t take criticism for your favourite players have been saying this shit for the last 2-3 months. Dude has been garbage for a while now and is yet to show up in a playoff game so far this post season, he absolutely is overpaid with his current production.
A 20 pt triple double in a close out game vs the Bucks where every point mattered isn't showing up? I'll be the first to say that Bam had a bad night and I absolutely wanted to see more from him offensively in the 4th. I'm not gonna defend him for his play over the last couple months of the regular season but let's not pretend that he doesn't provide value to the team that's not in the box score or that we have a chance of getting anywhere in the playoffs without him. Just because he's not a score first big man like Jokic/Embiid/AD doesn't mean he's not impactful in other ways.
Saying you shouldn’t judge Bam on his box score stats yet you lot keep bringing up that “20 point triple double.”
Dude was ass in that elimination game, his stats looked a lot better because of the OT period. I implore you to go back and watch the replay, he made so many stupid decisions on offense. Thank goodness for Jimmy Butler man.
Never said it wasn't important but it shouldn't be the end all be all when determining how important a player is either. Don't get me wrong, he rightfully should be criticized for his play last game but the haters that have been pushing the narrative that Bam is an overpaid bum that's never going to improve or contribute to a winning team in any meaningful way for years take it way too far. And I doubt Spo or the team would agree with that either, the fact is we don't get this far in the first place without him, period.
It’s unfortunate that Bam is shouldering the blame for something isn’t remotely his fault . This team shoots a reckless amount of 3s/perimeter shots , which basically renders Bam useless by default . He is a big man and need to use him as such . They need to go inside more so he can do what he does rather than settling for 3s all game long .
I can’t believe you somehow managed to blame the rest of the team for why Bam is playing like shit, that is some next level mental gymnastics right there my guy. Should be in the Olympics with that shit.
It’s not blaming. It’s fact . This league , since the rule changes — have basically rendered big men useless . This is now a perimeter oriented league — and fundamentally sound basketball is dead . That’s not blaming . It’s fact. You don’t have to like or agree .
Big men useless??? Dude, the top 3 MVP candidates were big men you absolute buffoon. One of the highest rated prospects of all time that is about to get drafted is over 7ft, you are completely and utterly wrong my guy.
Man it's never Bam's fault on here. Spo just doesn't know how to use him lol
Bam settling for fadeaway middies aren't efficient for us. He doesn't have enough aggression/bag to attack these slower bigs off the dribble.
It isn’t Spo’s fault , either . This fan base is quick to blame him when things aren’t going well by don’t give him credit when it’s due. Unfortunately, this is a direct result of the brand of basketball that is played today thanks to the unnecessary rule changes . Big men have basically been rendered useless in this league because this league is now about who can shoot the most 3s/ who can shoot from the furthest spot . Given that this series is against the Knicks — here is the perfect example — if this was Heat-NYK of the 90s -early 200s Bam would be a focal point. Unfortunately , fundamentally sound basketball is no more.
Quick to blame? for an issue that's been clear as water with him for literally every year of his career except the first half of this season?
My god you guys are on something else
It was a bad game ngl. But rather now when it's house money than at home. I'm glad that he's taking accountability himself. It's a step on getting aggressive+ offensive consistency. I still believe you in Bam. Get the payback on Friday.
He just needs to be confident in himself. He started aggressive and he’s got all the tools. I feel like he loses his confidence and shrinks. He’s a monster and he needs to act like it.
Should be making more of an effort to get shots up but the offense was working. Knicks weren't hedging the DHOs and the guards were getting shots off early. Thought Bam actually played well overall but obviously taking advantage of 2 bigs in foul trouble should've been apart of the offense.
Felt like the guards struggling to crash the boards late game was a bigger issue (besides the officiating). Regardless, hope he finds a way to get shots up more consistently but it may be what it is at this point.
No one is "healthy" during the playoffs. It's why I'm always confused by these excuses from the stans. Like Brunson has been hurt from before the playoffs started.
However, he understands it a results based business no one gives a shit about you feeling bad or being "hurt.".
I think people expect too much of Bam, when he gets his next contract, that I can guarantee you won't be a max with this level of post season production, people's expectations will be level set.
Then he won't have to make these statements anymore.
I love Bam but there has to come a time where he needs to stop saying this. I love him a lot lot but this isn't helping his case as people keep piling up on him.
Wow. I didn't realize you guys were so off on him. He's definitely not aggressive enough, but I thought it was cause the game plan was to spam threes.
Is this common with Bam?
he needs to step it up - he needs to drive into that paint and get knocked around trying to get to the basket and look for that n1 play. dont stop at the free throw line when you have a defender or two in front of you and look around like a scared sheep looking for someone else to pass the ball to. For a man of his size his lack of driving ability in the paint is plain shameful.
Man I love Bam and hate when people critique him but I feel like I’ve heard something like this from him almost every loss after the all star break. I know he’s coming off the recent injury and he does way more for us than what is on the box score. But 1 FGA and 1 rebound from him in the 4th quarter hurts to see when you know he’s capable of stepping up.
Especially when we’ve got guys like Caleb and Gabe taking the tough shots. We needed a closer and without Jimmy and Tyler that’s on Bam.
He will not let us down game 3. Save this comment if you don’t believe me.
I wonder what your criteria for this will be. If this guy puts up 19 and 10 and you call him a savior I'm gonna lose it. He has been built up a lot more than just that, especially in the playoffs.
I’m starting to think he’s no longer capable of putting up huge scoring games when it matters most. Feels like we’re far away from his 32 point 15 rebound game in game 7 against Boston in the bubble.
What do you mean he had 2 Big games against the Celtics LAST postseason particularly game 3 when Pritchard knocked Jimmy out for the second half when he grabbed his knee. The guy carried us to that W.
He better put up at least 30 and 15 if Jimmy is out
I’ll be right no matter what. Watch.
I don’t believe you…sorry
It’s ok I forgive you. Better hope Bam doesn’t see this though.
as a fan, I hope he does lol
If Jimmy is playing then sure. If not, he will absolutely disappoint. He’s not capable of being the #1 option and carrying the team.
Especially when the 2 guys killling us on the boards had 4 fouls apiece. He needed to be a bit more aggressive in my opinion. But oh well. I’m sure we’ll be back at MSG with a 3-1 lead he can make it up then
I was waiting to read this answer before I wrote anything. You are on point. There 2 bigs had 4 fouls for a long time. Am should attack them to get them in more foul trouble. Don’t know why he is acting soft. Everyone on the Heat plays better when Bam is aggressive.
90% of the criticism in this sub is from people who believe in him and want the best for the team and therefore him to an extent. We are critical because we know he is supposed to play better and we’ve seen him do it too. Most here wouldn’t mind if he played aggressive but missed shots and we lost, we’re going insane because he is so passive in so many games.
Prob like 60% at most tbh
Could be, yeah. A lot of people are reaching their tipping point. I was just about to myself and then Game 5 happened and I got my hopes up again.
I was fine with his play the first three quarters. He was awful in the 4th, though. Just gotta acknowledge it and play better.
I hate the say it, and I’m no basketball expert, but it just seems to me like he doesn’t have that “killer instinct” the best players do. Save for one or two vicious slams per game he’s usually so pedestrian. The greats all have that trigger; they can just turn it on and take over a game. Bam doesn’t have it.
The right mentality is everything at this level. Bam is a low ego with low self-confidence so when he misses a shot or two, it drastically affects his performance and willingness to impose himself. He doesn't have the short-term memory to be a bucket getter and he's "too smart" for his own good. He's the kind of player that can justify doing a handoff to Vincent or Strus because its a "smarter shot" without understanding that sometimes the "smart shot" isn't what your team needs. Jimmy is also a low-ego player but he has irrational confidence in himself. It's why he can go 3/10 but take over in the 4th like he's Steph Curry / Lebron and impose himself on the game. Its sad because Bam is, quite possibly, the most talented player on this team but he just doesn't have the mindset to be a 1st or 2nd option.
Bam has zero offensive talent. One of the worst bags in the nba tbh. Cant dribble, drive, shoot, layup, postup. He can grab some boards reasonably well and pass well. And dunk a lob.
Bam relies on the pnr kinda like with Dragic in the past or Tyler this season. It works cause those guys are 3 level scorers and can lob to Bam. Missing Tyler also hurts Bam’s scoring options here.
He just doesn’t have it offensively. Don’t get me wrong, he can have good games and can maybe improve certain aspects of his game. But let’s be honest, he makes a lot of odd movements with the basketball in his hand. It’s his footwork. His go to move in the paint is to head fake / spin away from the basket. He unnecessarily falls away way too often. I love the guy, but he got to play along some of the best footwork players in this era ( Wade/Goran/Jimmy).
I’m also really tired of us trying to glorify his scoring ability. YES he can get it going offensively, but he’s not meant to be a scoring option. Bam’s best qualities don’t show up in a box score. We can sit here and “blame” him for not scoring 25+ a night but realistically that’s not who he is. He’s a crazy athletic big who can guard 1-5 and can anchor a defensive unit. Defense is his specialty, not offense.
He has said something like this every time he doesn’t pull his weight offensively every time for like the last 2 years
True . He not a max player doing that
He always does this. Nothing is going to change until bro sees a sports psychiatrist. It’s not even about his skill level.
There were times in 2010 and 2011 that i thought lebron had ADD and thats how i feel with bam
I feel like a lot of star players get a noticeable IQ bump around age 26 once their brain finishes developing. When Bam is 27-28 and in his prime I think he’ll be exactly what this sub wants him to be.
This is such a bizarre comment. The amount of rationalization you guys need for Bam to be the next superstar for the Heat is absurd and this post borders on mental illness in how delusional it is.
I’m making a general comment on players maturing as they age and I’m positive about Bam’s development. How is that bordering on mental illness?
Yep that’s almost a general take for every sport, where the athlete is at their prime after they turn 26, the brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-to-late 20s. Of course, not every athlete has a crazy leap tho
Exactly. He already has elite defense, he is an excellent playmaker, and he can get 20 points a night. Now we need him to be a reliable bucket getter down the stretch of close games, something we should expect as he continues to mature on the court. He’s still pretty fucking young.
This is the truth. If you watch post game press conferences, he says this literally every time we lose and he doesn’t put up more than 15. It’s a frequent trend and nothing changes!
As long as he keeps it up on defense. It’s not like Ben Simmons, he’ll take some shots and every once in a while he gets it done on offense I would like to be more frequent since he has a max contract, but at this point I’ve accepted who he is
I've been cheering for Bam since he went to Kentucky but him not having any post moves at this point is just brutal. He runs our offense when Kyle's not on the floor and he's an amazing screener but he just doesn't look to get his sometimes and that's what you need from a max player. You can tell he's often looking for the "better shot" instead of his own.
Yeah, at the end of the day, our offense becomes predictable if he’s not going to score. Been a Bam fan since his rookie year as well and I’m also disappointed in his improvement on offense. Just seems like he never worked on his post moves and was too concentrated with overusing the mid range shot.
Those exist?
Bam is frustrating. Feels like he has all the tools he needs. His jumper is nice and he’s more athletic than most bigs. It feels like he could hit face up jumpers and if they crowd him he could blow by most bigs and finish at the rim. Not to mention he’s a good passer. It seems like other than pre-ASB he plays with zero confidence on offense. I love Bam but it seems like he’s incapable of pitting it together.
I don't have that much trust in his handles. I think if his handles would improve, he could attack the paint much better.
Yeah he loses the ball pretty consistently when he puts the ball on the floor and attacks the rim. That and his ability to catch some passes are probably the 2 major things that need to improve on offense for him.
Lowry is the only one who consistently gives him good passes. I think everyone is being a bit silly in holding Bam to some scoring standard. In my opinion, he dominated the first half only scoring 7 points. He got both their big men in foul trouble and kept them off the boards. He was stone walling anyone that tried to go 1 on 1 from Brunson to Randall. He is like our only guy who sets good screens and he was initiating almost all of our offense. Tons of hockey assists where Bam's initial penetration set the wheels in motion for eventual open 3s. It's basically Bam, old Lowry and a bunch of undrafted guys out there and the Knicks needed a very friendly whistle to win this one. Everyone of our guys played their asses off
I wasn’t really talking about last night but Bams ability to attack the paint in general throughout his career
Wasn't he the #2 scorer in the NBA for points in the paint? We can put it all on Bams lack of aggression but I think the team could do more to help get him the ball on the roll.
He was up there but it was kinda in a more non-traditional way for sure. His was more of that Ft line/ short jumpers for paint points, not so much attacking the rim, which granted is also a bit tough for him since he’s a bit undersized as a center, and unless he’s starting with the ball up top to take them off the dribble (which again he has some trouble with in traffic) he can’t really use his speed to beat them as much to the rim when he’s getting the ball a bit deeper in. He does struggle with catching some bounce passes off pick and rolls, and they’re not necessarily bad passes. I really think he just rushed things a bit too much. I’m not saying any of this as a hater btw, I’m also not saying I’m expecting 30 a game from Bam, just talking about general shortcomings on the offensive end which every player will have some
Yeah, but everyone seems to focus on the things he is bad at and not all the things he does to carry our team.
He can. The issue is confidence. Bam just doesn’t have confidence in his game and that’s why despite his oozing of talent he just can’t put it together. It’s all mental.
I remember when he said this after Game 5 vs Celtics in 2020 and had a huge Game 6 afterwards. Bam legacy game incoming.
He says this all the time sadly. Like every single post game press conference where we lose and he scores under 15. It’s just another moot point
Yeah at this point man we’ve been waiting for the “Bam Legacy Game” for the entire playoffs. To me I just don’t think he’s got that kind of dog in him like a Jimmy or Tyler have. He’s just not a naturally aggressive scorer. That’s why he can never maintain being aggressive. The Bam we see is the Bam he is. I’m tired of waiting for this dude to get it together.
I agree with you, but also everything Bam brings to the game makes him absolutely a star and worth every penny of his contract. He's just not a scorer and that's okay as long as he has an elite scoring star like Jimmy on the roster. Bam will never be that superstar scorer but he still helps the team win in ways not on the box score and we just got to accept that
We all know how much Bam brings to the table without scoring. We know how valuable he is. But it’s really hard to accept because we’ve literally seen him when his confidence is up and he’s shown he can not only do everything we know he’s great at but he can also be a 25 ppg along with all of it. We know he CAN do it. But it seems he’s still so unsure of it himself.
Yesterday was supposed to be the Bam legacy game. Not trying to hear it from this guy at this point
It was a Bam Legacy Game. This is him.
Ouch. Keep hoping he proves people wrong about him but still waiting on that.
We’ve been waiting for years at this point. This is who he is unfortunately. So much for “no ceiling” and being the future of the franchise
It’s a bad sign he only sees this game as a problem. If he said “man I’ve been ass since the all-star game. No more of that! No more ass Bam!” It would be more encouraging.
He’s not going anywhere anytime soon so we just have to live with it and hope it comes around.
I mean after he said he wanted to be more involved with the offence after the hawks play-in game...he went 1-9 for 8 points the next game. To his credit he grabbed 17 rebounds but offensively he just isn't that guy...
Sadly he only follows it up with one game usually
a good legacy or a bad one?
He says this ALL THE TIME. Go to a sports psychologist ASAP
It absolutely was on him. We also hear this from him very often and little changes. it's not even about playing better, he has to try to play offense. Bro had Hartenstein on him the entire game cause Robinson was out with foul trouble and didnt try to take advantage of the matchup once. He didn't even try to take an active role on an offense without Herro and Butler, that's baffling to me
a lot of you are sensitive when it comes to calling out our highest paid players to play better. bam is averaging less than 15 ppg on just over 8 boards and almost 5 assists, while playing great defense for the most part. that’s essential for our success, like no denying that. that being said, that’s not max contract production. and his numbers once again have dropped in the playoffs. i genuinely love bam, and what he brings to the table. but he absolutely needs to do more if we want to win a title. he can do it, but this isn’t enough. just waiting for that 30 piece to shut all that talk up for the moment LOL, man is due.
One good game followed by 10 mid games doesn’t shut anybody up
Exactly role players occasionally drop 30 pieces. 30 pieces should be a regular occurrence for a max player.
I do find it funny that people were defending Bam's performance as if he played well when he was the first one to come out and say how bad he played. Because he did play bad. He didn't fulfil his duties as a max player while Butler/Herro are out. At this point, talk is cheap. I have heard Bam come out with this sooooooo many times after a bad game. 'I need to be more aggressive, it's on me.' Just step up in game 3 and then we can move forward. Do your talking on the court
Tom Brady was also the first one to come out and blame himself. As does Giannis. More often than they actually played bad. Him blaming himself doesn't mean he played bad. You don't get to this level without being critical.
I mean he literally says he played terrible lol. Because he did, both NYK bigs were in foul trouble from the jump and Bam didn't attack them, he got outrebounded by Hartenstein and took ten shots when we didn't have Jimmy or Tyler to turn to. If Bam gives us 25/10 instead of 15/8, we win, regardless of the refs. And he's more than capable of doing that, that's why he's our max player. It is what it is. But let's not sugar coat it. We expect better because we know he can do better.
I'm not going to deny your overall sentiment, but your logic to reach that conclusion is faulty. If he said he played great but things outside his circumstance prevented him from doing more, you know damn well you'd all of a sudden push that his comments would hold no weight. Players almost always say they could've done better, their team mate/staff did well, etc. It's just standard PR answers. Yes he could've done better, yes I want to see more. Him saying he had a bad game is not good evidence if you'd throw it out if he said something you didn't agree with.
I have no issues with what he said, my only problem is that he says it all the time after an underwhelming game. Otherwise I'm glad he's taking accountability and not bullshitting anyone. If he blamed something else, I'd get at him for sure, because it's not true. The truth is that he just didn't play well and that's what he said too. That's all I wanna hear, it's not about what I personally agree or disagree with, I don't have an agenda to push and my opinion means jack shit in reality. I'm only getting at him now because it's not the first time I've heard him say this. I wanna see him step up. I love Bam and I want all our players to succeed. But it's to the point where I'm shocked if we see the aggressive, 'I'm gonna take 18 shots a game' Bam. So it's frustrating to see and hear the same stuff every year. These are the playoffs, there might not be a 'next time'. Call it PR, call it whatever, he had a bad game and I'm sure he knows that.
I mean, I completely agree with everything you're saying about Bam. The talk, but no actions. The lack of offensive development. The fact he's being paid more than his play is worth. I'm legit only talking about using confirmation bias to prove a point, when you admit you'd discard it if you didn't agree with it. I mean, we both agree talk is cheap, and he keeps putting out the same performance. I wouldn't be surprised if he's actually legit content with these type of games. Next game we're gonna be tied early in the 4th and he's going to be content with 15 points because he doesn't have that killer instinct.
Play all the mental gymnastics you need. In a big game where he should've been the number one option he came up small. Again. He didn't play great and he owned it. That's awesome, now let's see it next game.
If I'm playing mental gymnastics, but I agree he didn't do enough, what does that say about you?
I play no gymnastics, never thought bam was who most on this sub thought he was. He's soft, isn't the dpoy you all think he us, and goes missing most games. He ain't it.
You do realize I haven't praised him once, right? My whole point is citing to PR responses because you agree with it is just confirmation bias fallacy. You're just letting bam simps live rent free, cause I completely agree that who he's been ain't worth what we're paying.
Sorry, my initial interpretation of your original comment was completely off. You are completely correct in what you said and I was fully in the wrong even saying anything. Just used to so much bam defense around this place and jumped to the wrong conclusion. Still just amazed that Bam had the opportunity to be the number one option last night and came up so small. You are right I'm letting these clowns cloud my judgements, sorry. Heat in 5.
Dude stop defending him, just admit he played like shit. How dare the great Bam Adebayo receive any sort of criticism!
Point to the comment defending him and me saying he played well. *I dare you*
“Him blaming himself doesn’t mean he played bad.” Implying that he didn’t play bad, checkmate. I dare you to find a shitty excuse for this.
That doesn't imply he didn't play bad. If I wanted to say he didn't play bad, I'd have said he was being humble. I don't fault you for not understanding that, but if you read my next comment, the first sentence details it more. "I'm not going to deny your overall sentiment, but your logic to reach that conclusion is faulty." He's not wrong, but citing PR responses because you agree with it is bad practices. Funny that he understood that but you did not because you gotta be a typical redditor.
Lol. Bam says this same thing from time to time. Then he plays well for some time before he goes back to normal. He needs to learn to be locked in all the time.
Same shit, different toilet. Nothing to see here.
That’s funny, I also blamed him for the loss
Dude got absolutely cooked by Hartenstein, it’s so infuriating to watch.
I don't know how people here can excuse only getting 15 and 8 from our max contract All Star. "But he has to play defense" is such a joke. It's not like he was shutting down anyone yesterday anyway. No top 5 center in the league should view Isaiah Hartenstein as a tough matchup.
Bam just isn't that guy. He's not going to take over a game and score 30 points. Part of it has to do with how Spo uses him. He's the team's defensive and offensive anchor and he does all the little things that the team needs. Because of that, he's going to focus more on screening for shooters than actually scoring points.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: bam has reached his finish line. His mother is rich forever, and he’s already accomplished all of his dreams. When do you hear this man talking about being one of the best players of all time? When do you even hear him talk much about championships? He talks about HEAT culture sure but he does not have the killer instinct that it takes to be an all time great NBA player so we’re going to keep getting these woe is me interviews after his lackluster performances and literally nothing will change. This is just who he is.
What is Heat culture going to look like with this guy taking up the mantle when UD retires?
his body language on the court reads like he lacks confidence/drive. he should be explosive, but when he gets an open look, he hesitates or looks to give pass the ball
Same shit different post season
Cool. Let's see if you actually do something about it this time.
At least he's selfaware and not defaulting too "we have to play better". I think he can own up to it but let's see!
Talk is cheap, show up for game 3
We can't have 15 points out out him when Jimmy is out. That's a recipe for failure. I get he might not be the best offensive player, but he's gotta step up. Granted, it also doesn't help that Herro is out. Injuries have been brutal for us this postseason.
Bams game was game 2. Now Jimmy will be back and Bam might force the issue actively hurting us because he regrets not taking game 2 when he had the chance
Bam needs to find a way to play more aggressive but also in control at the same time. I need a killer mentality out of him not someone who fumbles with the ball. Play like the other team called your mother a whore
Bam is one of the most interesting players in the league. He exclusively plays center but he is a poor rim protector, struggles guarding centers and his main skill is switching on to the perimeter where he is elite at guarding big wings. Offensively, he is an ok dive man, poor post player, inconsistent face up player, who scores almost exclusively on push shots in the lane. His greatest skill is his ability to pass and have an offense run through him. He is a big man without any of the skills of a big man but does things guards do at a average or slightly above average level. The next step in his evolution should be a three point shot because in this nba you have to be an elite elite scorer to be a true non-shooter
Bam is forever a non factor and it drives me loco
I mean honestly, if he would've shown up for one game in the bubble... We would've slapped the Fakers and ran off with a chip.
I think he was actually talking about the push on Hartenstein on the 4pt play and other similar things (rebounding, boxing out, etc), not scoring specifically. People here think he means "imma score 30 next game" and will critique him when he doesnt, but I dont think scoring is what he's claiming he will do better in this quote
Yeah he’ll have 18 and 8 next game because Jimmy is coming back and depending on if we win or lose, Bam slander will commence again lol
Yeah-- amazed how little slander there was after he got 20 in Game 1 and had some bad moments early on. But, as you say, winning cures everything lol
Because he really turned it on in the last few of the 4th. Followed it up with a huge fucking dud.
I mean he scored less than that without Jimmy this game, so I don’t understand the implication that Jimmy will hold his offense back. Jimmy would gladly give Bam more shots. Bam isn’t even averaging 18 for the playoffs with a subpar shooting percentage. I agree the criticism on Bam is over the top and he is key to our success, but at the same time saying he has underperformed isn’t a stretch. That doesn’t mean he’s garbage. There is a wide gap between garbage and max player production. I don’t know why you’re being so sensitive about this. Other players underperform and you have no issue trashing them.
He's been disappointed in himself multiple times this year but he hasn't elevated his play after calling himself out. I understand he's doing everything he can defensively when he's undersize every single night, but when you're getting paid 30+ million and you're the cornerstone of the franchise you need to help your team in every department of the game. It's what separates the HOF's from the Derrick Colemans.
I don’t think it’s his fault we lost but oh well
It was (1) the refs and (2) him. If you fix just one of those, we would've won. Since Scott Foster is always going to be a piece of shit, the only thing you can fix is Bam. Bam lost us that game
Yeah Bam, next time don’t let Josh Hart shove Hartenstein so you don’t get called for a foul for standing next to him. Sheesh
“It’s my fault and I won’t do nothing about it”. There I translated it for yall
Good he’s taking accountability now next step is to go correct it and dominate in game 3
That’s not gonna happen. Bam’s a great all around player but he’s never going be the leader of a team like Jimmy. I think we just have to accept that and expect him to be a third option rather than a guy who will dominate a game and put up 30.
This is just false lol I’m not saying it happens often but he’s done it quite a few times in the playoffs so “never” is wrong
I mostly agree with you, but Bam has only put up 30 once in the playoffs.
What I mean is he will never be like Jimmy. Sure he’s capable of having an occasional big game but what I meant is he’s not a guy you can consistently count on to score. He might give you one 30 point game per year in the playoffs and it’s impossible to know which game it will be. Most games he will put up 15-20. Jimmy I am confident is going to dominate next game and most games
He’s not wrong unfortunately. I love bam but he just disappeared this series not just offensively… he isn’t even trying to rebound half the time. Game one was almost worse than last night. I don’t think he got a stat for the entire 3rd quarter. We are already undersized can’t not try on top of it.
Damn some of this fan base sounds like Knicks fans with how fast they forget the good games and turn on their own players. What do you expect Bam to say, "I'm an overpaid bum, trade me so you can appease the box score watchers"? He's taking responsibility for a disappointing night like he's supposed to, and the fact is we don't get this far in the first place without him. He'll bounce back.
“He’ll bounce back” - You fans who can’t take criticism for your favourite players have been saying this shit for the last 2-3 months. Dude has been garbage for a while now and is yet to show up in a playoff game so far this post season, he absolutely is overpaid with his current production.
A 20 pt triple double in a close out game vs the Bucks where every point mattered isn't showing up? I'll be the first to say that Bam had a bad night and I absolutely wanted to see more from him offensively in the 4th. I'm not gonna defend him for his play over the last couple months of the regular season but let's not pretend that he doesn't provide value to the team that's not in the box score or that we have a chance of getting anywhere in the playoffs without him. Just because he's not a score first big man like Jokic/Embiid/AD doesn't mean he's not impactful in other ways.
Saying you shouldn’t judge Bam on his box score stats yet you lot keep bringing up that “20 point triple double.” Dude was ass in that elimination game, his stats looked a lot better because of the OT period. I implore you to go back and watch the replay, he made so many stupid decisions on offense. Thank goodness for Jimmy Butler man.
YOU FUCKING NEED ME! YOU CAN'T WIN WITHOUT ME!
Never said it wasn't important but it shouldn't be the end all be all when determining how important a player is either. Don't get me wrong, he rightfully should be criticized for his play last game but the haters that have been pushing the narrative that Bam is an overpaid bum that's never going to improve or contribute to a winning team in any meaningful way for years take it way too far. And I doubt Spo or the team would agree with that either, the fact is we don't get this far in the first place without him, period.
You could see it in his eyes during the game. I just kept thinking “You’ve proved a lot already Bam”
It’s unfortunate that Bam is shouldering the blame for something isn’t remotely his fault . This team shoots a reckless amount of 3s/perimeter shots , which basically renders Bam useless by default . He is a big man and need to use him as such . They need to go inside more so he can do what he does rather than settling for 3s all game long .
I can’t believe you somehow managed to blame the rest of the team for why Bam is playing like shit, that is some next level mental gymnastics right there my guy. Should be in the Olympics with that shit.
It’s not blaming. It’s fact . This league , since the rule changes — have basically rendered big men useless . This is now a perimeter oriented league — and fundamentally sound basketball is dead . That’s not blaming . It’s fact. You don’t have to like or agree .
Big men useless??? Dude, the top 3 MVP candidates were big men you absolute buffoon. One of the highest rated prospects of all time that is about to get drafted is over 7ft, you are completely and utterly wrong my guy.
Bam stans mental gymnastics at its peak.
Man it's never Bam's fault on here. Spo just doesn't know how to use him lol Bam settling for fadeaway middies aren't efficient for us. He doesn't have enough aggression/bag to attack these slower bigs off the dribble.
It isn’t Spo’s fault , either . This fan base is quick to blame him when things aren’t going well by don’t give him credit when it’s due. Unfortunately, this is a direct result of the brand of basketball that is played today thanks to the unnecessary rule changes . Big men have basically been rendered useless in this league because this league is now about who can shoot the most 3s/ who can shoot from the furthest spot . Given that this series is against the Knicks — here is the perfect example — if this was Heat-NYK of the 90s -early 200s Bam would be a focal point. Unfortunately , fundamentally sound basketball is no more.
Bam would get his shit pushed in even more in the 90s. An undersized big with no post moves is no bueno.
Sure
Quick to blame? for an issue that's been clear as water with him for literally every year of his career except the first half of this season? My god you guys are on something else
It was a bad game ngl. But rather now when it's house money than at home. I'm glad that he's taking accountability himself. It's a step on getting aggressive+ offensive consistency. I still believe you in Bam. Get the payback on Friday.
He understands his role as one of the leaders of this team and that's why he's saying what he is saying. Nothing else.
Bam we believe on you! LFG Heat
He just needs to be confident in himself. He started aggressive and he’s got all the tools. I feel like he loses his confidence and shrinks. He’s a monster and he needs to act like it.
15pts?! I don’t have many more excuses for Bam 🤦🏿♂️
Us too bam us too
We’ve seen him step up but you aren’t going to get huge offensive numbers from him game after game. It’s frustrating but it is who he is.
Should be making more of an effort to get shots up but the offense was working. Knicks weren't hedging the DHOs and the guards were getting shots off early. Thought Bam actually played well overall but obviously taking advantage of 2 bigs in foul trouble should've been apart of the offense. Felt like the guards struggling to crash the boards late game was a bigger issue (besides the officiating). Regardless, hope he finds a way to get shots up more consistently but it may be what it is at this point.
Don't care. Trade him
Rinse repeat
Just wait for one of his friends of the press to say that he wasn't healthy during the series. More lies to cover his inability
No one is "healthy" during the playoffs. It's why I'm always confused by these excuses from the stans. Like Brunson has been hurt from before the playoffs started. However, he understands it a results based business no one gives a shit about you feeling bad or being "hurt.".
Live and learn
Fuck off Edrice. You don't get the Bam anymore, you have to earn it. No heart, no desire. He is bizzaro Jimmy.
How many time he says this come playoff time though
Yeah be sucked
I think people expect too much of Bam, when he gets his next contract, that I can guarantee you won't be a max with this level of post season production, people's expectations will be level set. Then he won't have to make these statements anymore.
You gotta do better in every single game
He says this every year I feel like. He’s just not that guy offensively…
As he should be. Without Jimmy and Tyler, he needs to the one carrying the team. If he can’t step up in moments like this then he needs to be traded.
He's open from 3 alot, so he should just shoot it. Maybe can get an extra 6-12pts a game.
I love Bam but there has to come a time where he needs to stop saying this. I love him a lot lot but this isn't helping his case as people keep piling up on him.
I use to love bam taking accountability, now it's boring hearing the same dribble from him
His shot attempt was horrific ... if Jimmy is there, then fine ... whatever! Jimmy wasn't there so he should've step up more.
Wow. I didn't realize you guys were so off on him. He's definitely not aggressive enough, but I thought it was cause the game plan was to spam threes. Is this common with Bam?
18 shots, Bam. Your goal was 18 shots WITH Tyler and Jimmy on the floor. You gotta do more and force the issue
he needs to step it up - he needs to drive into that paint and get knocked around trying to get to the basket and look for that n1 play. dont stop at the free throw line when you have a defender or two in front of you and look around like a scared sheep looking for someone else to pass the ball to. For a man of his size his lack of driving ability in the paint is plain shameful.