Could the Power Forward’s Shooting Slump Be a Liability for the Regular Season?
Bam Adebayo's early preseason shooting has raised eyebrows as he enters the 2025-26 campaign. Reports indicate he is just one of eight from the field in his first two exhibition games. From what observers describe, he has seemed somewhat hesitant, lacking the assertiveness that usually defines his offensive game. Luckily for him, he has other abilities that contribute to the Heat's success, especially when he's labeled as the team's defensive ace. While preseason sample sizes are notoriously small and noisy, this early cold stretch cannot be ignored — especially given the adjustments he is likely being asked to make in the Heat's evolving offensive scheme.
In recent regular seasons, Adebayo has been a reliable interior force, shooting efficiently inside the arc and contributing decent three-point volume. However, last year he showed signs of struggle: his rim efficiency and short two-point percentages dipped to career lows. In fact, analysts pointed out that he was making only 57.5% of rim shots and 35% of short twos — marks that placed him poorly relative to other bigs. That decline suggests he arrived at this preseason already contending with lingering confidence or mechanical issues.
If the shooting slump extends, it could become a real liability for Miami's offense. Adebayo's interior scoring often forces defenses to collapse, opening space for wing shooters and driving guards. However, if he stops threatening even moderate efficiency close to the basket, the team's spacing will suffer. Opponents might play looser on perimeter shooters, daring Miami's wings to beat them rather than conceding driving lanes. In tight lineups, his struggles could force more volume onto perimeter creators, increasing defensive risk and turnover potential.
That said, the context should raise the alarm. Preseason performance is unreliable and too limited in minutes and intensity to draw firm conclusions. Adebayo has previously demonstrated resilience through shooting slumps, adjusting via pick-and-roll dominance, offensive rebounding, and passing. If he can regain confidence early in the season, the slump can recede without lasting damage. Nevertheless, the signs are cautionary — and if he fails to correct course, his shooting woes could indeed become a drag on Miami's ceiling.
