When the Miami Heat traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo to pair with Bam Adebayo, people believed the franchise had assembled one of the best, if not the best, frontcourt duos in the NBA. Off the heels of scoring a career-high 83 points in a game, until the star’s arrival, Adebayo served as Miami’s primary interior scoring threat.

Antetokounmpo remains overwhelmingly most effective in the paint, though he will occasionally step outside. Meanwhile, on the defensive end, he gives the Heat a presence clearing rebounds and challenging opposing shots, which pairs well with Adebayo’s approach. After the team’s opening-night effort, social media wasted no time evaluating the game.

NBA Fans Blast Bam Adebayo Over Struggles in Heat Opening Night Loss

The Miami Heat began their season with a 131-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Antetokounmpo exceeded expectations, recording 35 points and six rebounds, Bam Adebayo did not. In 31 minutes of court time, the veteran scored just 15 points with seven rebounds and four assists.

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins stated after the game that he doesn’t believe Adebayo is a true second scoring option. Social media chided Adebayo’s night, agreeing with Perkins.

“one of the very few times i agree with perk,” one user stated.

Normally, Perkins has a reputation for outlandish takes that draw fans’ ire. Yet, his statement about Adebayo resonated. On top of the poor offensive play, Adebayo did little to nothing on defense. He also finished with a team-worst -28. Furthermore, the forward’s hesitation also opened eyes among the fanbase.

“We won’t ever win unless we get rid of Bam. He refuses to score bruh think he a pg,” another X user proclaimed.

Despite being a center-forward, Adebayo is a gifted passer, almost to a fault, choosing to facilitate rather than be aggressive at the rim. While the three-time All-Star has improved his game over the course of his career, being this far along in his career could mean that he’s reached his ceiling.

“Asking Bam to take the leap in his 9th season lolz… he is what he is man and it ain’t a reliable scoring option,” a user interjected.

In under a decade of NBA experience, he has significantly expanded his offensive range, having entered the league primarily as an interior scorer. However, his opening night drew comparison to a recent, equally painful era in Miami history.

“He’s just not a #2 scorer. Can he be the 2nd most impactful player on a contender? Sure. But it’s the same [expletive] from the Jimmy era. We need a real bucket getter to take the pressure off Giannis. Or at least get a REAL playmaker to get our big easier shots,” an X user said.

From afar, Adebayo and Antetokounmpo look like they play a redundant style of basketball: low post talent that can step out and hit an outside shot. Yet, when the former Bucks star scores and his frontcourt teammate doesn’t, the disparity between the two looks even wider.

As the 83-point night attests, Adebayo can put the ball in the hoop, which frustrates the fanbase because those nights seem few and far between. “I have to agree, and the part that gets frustrating at times is the fact he has the ability,” another user commented.

Heat management took the gamble on Antetokounmpo, giving Miami a new centerpiece. The fanbase, seemingly patient, voiced the same concern as Perkins.

“No lies told and I’m a 305 lifer,” another fan reasoned.

While one game does not make an entire season, an opening loss in which the newly arrived scorer fulfills his tasks and the complementary piece doesn’t could be a harbinger of rough days ahead. Luckily for the Heat, they get plenty of other chances, starting Friday when the Detroit Pistons come to town.