Bam Adebayo isn’t happy about being singled out for the Miami Heat’s struggles, with the franchise falling to 0-4 following Monday’s 113-109 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite Miami acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster offseason trade, the Heat remain winless, and Adebayo believes he’s receiving an unfair share of the criticism.
“You know, it’s funny how the outside noise wants to make me the scapegoat,” Adebayo said, according to ESPN. “But when the tables turn, just all that energy, when the energy shifts, just be prepared for that.”
Adebayo has struggled offensively through four games, averaging just 11.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 16.7 percent from three-point range.
The 29-year-old finished with eight points against Dallas, shooting three-of-10 from the field and missing all five of his three-point attempts.
It’s a significant drop from last season, when Adebayo averaged 20.1 points and 10 rebounds per game, including his historic 83-point performance in March.
However, Adebayo isn’t concerned about his individual numbers and believes Miami has plenty of time to turn things around.
“I got expectations for myself, but, obviously, the outside noise got expectations for us,” Adebayo said. “So for me, I know what I’m capable of. I’m not going to overthink that. We’re 0-4 right now. I’d rather it be right now than this be midway through the season or in April. Because what if we go on a 10-game winning streak? Then how does the noise change?”
Antetokounmpo, who recorded 29 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists against Dallas, also defended his teammate, explaining that Miami’s entire roster is still adjusting.
“It’s not just Bam, it’s everybody,” Antetokounmpo said. “You know, everybody — we try to figure out where we fit in and what we gotta do. Kind of try to not step on our toes.”
The Heat will look to secure their first victory against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
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