Wade urges larger role for Adebayo amid Heat’s 2-5 start

The Miami Heat’s 2-5 start has sharpened questions about how Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo fit together, with former Heat star Dwyane Wade saying Adebayo needs a larger offensive role and Antetokounmpo acknowledging the team has adjustments to make. Wade said on his podcast after watching Miami lose to Dallas on October 26 that Antetokounmpo’s presence in the paint has pushed Adebayo away from areas where he has been most effective, including the midpost and pick-and-roll. Wade said Adebayo should take charge when Antetokounmpo is off the floor and become the leading option alongside the second unit. Through Miami’s first seven games, Adebayo averaged 16.3 points per game, down from 20.1 last season. His usage rate, the share of team possessions he ends with a shot, free throw attempt or turnover while on court, fell from 24.8% to 21.4%. Antetokounmpo averaged 28.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists over the same span. Wade also cited early results when the two stars share the court. Miami was outscored by 14.1 points per 100 possessions in the 124 minutes they played together, according to figures he discussed. With Adebayo on court and Antetokounmpo on the bench,...