Miami Heat captain Bam Adebayo urges Nikola Jovic and Kel'el Ware to transform criticism into motivation during a crucial summer of development and personal growth.
Biscayne Blvd, Fla. – The Miami Heat missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season, following a 127-126 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night. After experiencing ups and downs throughout the regular season, the organization will have an opportunity to reset, especially Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic. Both young players either battled through injuries or inconsistent production.
At the end-of-season interviews on Thursday, team captain Bam Adebayo shared a message for them as a full offseason is underway:
“You get another opportunity to get better,” he said. “You get another chance to change the narrative around your name. Obviously, you can’t really hide from the noise. This world is now based a lot off social media, being on your phones, and having all of that attention. It’s really just changing the narrative around your name. You get an opportunity to get in the lab, get a real good summer of just working on yourself. You want to have that bounce-back moment. You want everybody to change that narrative about you. That should drive you in the summer. Hearing all of the negative comments and people try to put you in whatever trade may be, but having that opportunity to work on your game is the biggest aspect.”
Jovic has yet to play 50 games in a full season after only appearing in 47 this season. He averaged 7.3 points on 36.6 percent shooting, 26.9 percent from three-point range, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 17.2 minutes. After battling with injuries, it became a challenge for the 22-year-old to rediscover his rhythm.
The Heat’s front office has expressed belief in Jovic, so much so that the organization signed him to a four-year, $62.4 million contract extension last summer.
Ware was primarily available, playing in 77 games, but dealt with different roles and fluctuating minutes. He went back and forth with starting and coming off the bench. Depending on the situation, the 21-year-old would get pulled off the court, resulting in short stints.
Both players are young and viewed as potential cornerstone pieces. However, after missing the playoffs, the front office could look to make drastic changes to the roster. They will have a lottery pick in the upcoming draft, which can be a significant asset depending on where it lands.
After four straight years of participating in the Play-In Tournament, the Heat will be mentioned in several trade rumors that could potentially change the franchise.
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