Bam Adebayo has quickly become one of the most dynamic centers in basketball, and the 24-year-old’s growth will be key to Miami’s pursuit of an NBA title. A full appreciation of Bam Adebayo begins with the understanding that he isn’t a first option. The Heat’s 24-year-old Swiss-Army knife center doesn’t singlehandedly lift his team into
Miami Heat
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. I have to admit, I am fascinated by Basketball-Reference’s Hall-of-Fame probability model. If you’re not familiar with it, the model uses several key stats to measure the likelihood of
Marcus Garrett has signed a two-way deal with the Miami Heat. On July 30, 2021, he originally signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the organization. After playing two games in the 2021 California Classic Summer League, the point guard averaged 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.9 blocks and a 77.8 field goal percentage. He led
Every player in the NBA has had a down year. If they haven’t, it is likely only a matter of time. It could be that they were trying to find their fit on a new team, battling injuries, or simply trying to do too much under immense pressure. Regardless of the reason, a season-long slump
Mandatory Credit: Rich Schultz/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports NBA Twitter freaks out after Bulls land Lonzo Ball in sign-and-trade by Mark Powell Phoenix Suns keeping Chris Paul with mega 4-year deal by Gerald Bourguet NBA Free Agency has started with a bang, and now-former Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry is taking his talents to South
Duncan Robinson of the Miami Heat reacts after being called for a foul during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) John Mara is an old, out-of-touch man who hates taunting by Scott Rogust Did Tyrann Mathieu take a shot at the Chiefs over contract talks? by Scott
Victor Oladipo, Miami Heat, Kelly Oubre Jr., Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) Latest Aaron Rodgers quote shows no issues with Jordan Love by Braulio Perez Romelu Lukaku tells Inter Milan he wants a Chelsea transfer by Braulio Perez The Miami Heat bring back often-injured guard Victor Oladipo on a one-year minimum deal. Victor Oladipo
(Image courtesy of Sharp Magazine) Oddsmakers at the Bovada sportsbook are offering -400 odds on Miami Heat ending up in hot water over a recent deal that saw former Raptor Kyle Lowry head south to the heat from up north in Toronto. After finishing sixth in the eastern conference and getting wrecked 4-0 by the
The NBA is investigating potential tampering from the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls for their respective deals for Kyle Lowry and Lonzo Ball. Once the NBA free agency negotiation window opened up last Monday, two of the biggest point guards on both the unrestricted and restricted markets quickly flew off the board. The Chicago Bulls
The Miami Heat completed their sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors that officially landed them veteran point guard Kyle Lowry. Once the free agency negotiation window opened up earlier this week, the available point guards flew off the open market. While Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry was not the first to be taken off the board,
For the past several years, the Western Conference has widely been considered the deeper, more talented conference. Don’t look now, but the teams in the East have caught up and passed them as the premier conference in the league. Considering the elite-level talent (superstars) and the rising young stars, the argument could easily be made
Andre Iguodala is heading back to the Golden State Warriors in his NBA free agency. After spending the two previous seasons with the Miami Heat, forward Andre Iguodala is heading back to the team he is best known for playing for in the Golden State Warriors. This will be Iguodala’s 18th NBA season out of Arizona.
Both the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls made bold acquisitions in free agency but may have moved in opposite directions this offseason. The Miami Heat, clearly, had a plan this offseason. NBA free agency opened at 6:00 p.m. Eastern on Monday; by 7:00 the Heat had acquired Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker, retained Duncan Robinson,
The LA Clippers will try to keep Nicolas Batum, but the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers are all interested. The LA Clippers‘ top priority in 2021 NBA free agency will be re-signing Kawhi Leonard, who will reportedly opt out of his $36 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent. But
Kyle Lowry. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) The first day of 2021 NBA free agency included a flurry of activity as teams scrambled to set up their rosters for next season. Who won and lost the day? Even when games aren’t being played, there are winners and losers in the NBA — especially in NBA free
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed with the Washington Wizards to acquire Russell Westbrook in a three-player trade, sending Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and the No. 22 pick in Thursday’s 2021 NBA Draft to the Wizards. According to ESPN, the Wizards are also giving up their 2024 and 2028 second-round picks as well.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Andrew Lopez, the New Orleans Pelicans are shipping guard Eric Bledsoe, center Steven Adams, the Nos. 10 and 40 picks of the 2021 NBA Draft, and two future first-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for center Jonas Valanciunas and the Nos. 17 and 51 picks of this week’s upcoming
Kendrick Nunn, Bradley Beal, Duncan Robinson (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports) Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal has reportedly ‘welcomed’ each of the following teams in a trade scenario. After multiple seasons of saying he wants to stay where he’s at, Wizards guard Bradley Beal may be looking for a way out. Jake Fisher of Bleacher Report ” is
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Twitter account kicked the Miami Heat while they were down following their first-round sweep on Saturday. The Milwaukee Bucks were viewed as one of the overwhelming favorites to win the NBA championship last year inside the Orlando bubble. Instead, the team was eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Miami Heat
The Milwaukee Bucks completed a dominant first-round sweep of the Miami Heat with a Game 4 win. Here are three takeaways from this one-sided series. Last year, the Milwaukee Bucks were unceremoniously escorted to the offseason by Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in the second round of the playoffs. While the Heat enjoyed a magical
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update: Will Giannis play in Game 5? by William Ricks According to a report, both the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat are ready to make a strong push to try and land Kawhi Leonard if he opts out of his contract. It’s going to be an incredibly
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images According to a report from Yahoo! Sports, three teams have already shown serious interest in potentially trying to sign Kelly Oubre this offseason. Where will Kelly Oubre Jr. end up suiting up next season? After joining the Golden State Warriors this past season from Phoenix/Oklahoma City, the 25-year-old wing
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat shoots a free throw against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by
Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports The Miami Heat need to go back to the drawing board after getting swept out of the first round. After winning the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago, the Miami Heat quickly found out this wasn’t the Orlando bubble when taking on the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
The Milwaukee Bucks demolished the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their first-round series in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Here are three unavoidable takeaways from the blowout. Game 1 of the Milwaukee Bucks‘ first-round series against the Miami Heat was less than encouraging for the home team. Despite having title aspirations, the Bucks needed overtime
May 24, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Heat forward Trevor Ariza (8) pushes off of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) as he gets up after fouling him in the third quarter during game two in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports Former NBA
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks goes up for a layup against the Miami Heat during the first quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images It appears the Miami Heat don’t have what it takes to repeat as Eastern Conference champions after a great run in last year’s bubble. The Miami Heat have officially run out of gas. Thursday night saw the Heat host the Milwaukee Bucks in a must-win Game 3. The Heat responded
Nobody is going to outwork Jimmy Butler and his Miami Heat. But this time around, that just may not be enough. Every NBA player wants to win a championship, but few are more overt about how badly they want to do so than the Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler. He is almost theatrical in how he
May 22, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) makes the game winning basket over Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) with 0.5 seconds to play in overtime of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports NHL world reacts
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The Washington Wizards really only needed three quarters to eliminate the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, locking in a first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Wizards used the
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports The Miami Heat came up just one or two miracles short in last year’s NBA Finals. Here’s what they’ll need to accomplish to earn another chance. You won’t hear the Miami Heat mentioned often in discussions of likely Eastern Conference contenders but no one saw them coming last year either.
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 10: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat and Paul Pierce #34 of the Brooklyn Nets battle for the ball during their game at the Barclays Center on January 10, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. If you think you’re tired of the LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, GOAT argument, imagine being a retired NBA player. As your immediate relevancy fades, all you have is
They didn’t get him at the trade deadline, but the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat are set to renew pursuit of Kyle Lowry this summer. As the Toronto Raptors started to go downhill, Kyle Lowry was pursued by contending teams at the trade deadline. A deal did not get done for the looming unrestricted free
Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat. (Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports) Are the Dallas Cowboys still the most valuable sports franchise? by John Buhler Jimmy Butler ripped Karl-Anthony Towns to shreds with his latest smack-talking episode. Jimmy Butler made Karl-Anthony Towns the latest victim of his one-of-a-kind smack talk. As Butler’s Miami
After a disappointing and confusing start to the season, the Boston Celtics have seemingly turned things around. Boston went 11-5 in April but is still a full game out of the coveted sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. The ultimate goal is to avoid the new Play-In Tournament. To do that, they will need to
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 18: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against Kelly Olynyk #9 of the Miami Heat in the second half at Golden 1 Center on February 18, 2021 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user
Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports NBA rumors: Kyle Lowry prefers to remain with Raptors or trade to Heat by John Buhler NFL Draft: Kyle Pitts’ blazing 40 could run him right into the record books by John Buhler As the NBA trade deadline approaches the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the favorites
Several teams stand out as clear winners following Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. The NBA trade deadline arrived Thursday afternoon and teams were busy right up until the buzzer. Arguably the biggest news was that Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry stayed put. But there were plenty of trades that did go through, and a few teams
NBA Twitter was in disbelief as Malik Monk lit up the Miami Heat once again. The last time Malik Monk faced the Miami Heat, he dropped 36 points on 11-of-18 shooting in a 129-121 overtime win for the Charlotte Hornets. In their latest meeting Friday night, Monk continued his ascent up the list of notorious
Victor Oladipo, Houston Rockets. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) Clippers finally get their point guard, land Rajon Rondo from the Hawks by Bre’ana Singleton The Heat have landed a last-second deal to bring Victor Oladipo to Miami in hopes of getting back to championship contention. Just as time expired. This year’s NBA trade deadline
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) Bellator 256: Liz Carmouche vs. Vanessa Porto official for April 9 by Amy Kaplan Kyle Lowry may want to stay with the Toronto Raptors, but if he is traded, his preferred destination would be to the Miami Heat. Thursday is the 2021 NBA trade deadline, so the clock
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors. (Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports) Michael Chandler’s latest Instagram post will get you excited for UFC 262 or you are dead inside by Thomas Albano The Miami Heat want to make moves ahead of the 2021 NBA trade deadline. Two players they have their eyes on are Toronto Raptors point
According to the latest NBA rumors, the Miami Heat are exploring a deal for Trevor Ariza. The Miami Heat make a ton of sense as a buyer heading into the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline, but this probably wasn’t what most people had in mind. According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Heat are exploring a
With the Orlando Magic floating near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, four playoff teams are eyeing star center Nikola Vucevic. The 2021 NBA All-Star Game is in the books, which means the trade deadline is on the horizon. March 25 is the date that team executives will keep an eye on, as playoff
The Miami Heat are healthy and trending up but they’ll still need an offensive upgrade for a deep playoff run. Where could they look for help? Things are definitely looking up for the Miami Heat. After injuries and absences wracked their rotation early in the season, they’re finally starting to get healthy and build momentum.
Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) 3 surprise cuts the Broncos could make this offseason by Brad Berreman Browns still in the mix for J.J. Watt, but they’re not alone by Braulio Perez Erik Spoelstra says nobody makes better in-game adjustments than LeBron James. During the 2020
Victor Oladipo, Houston Rockets. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) UFC 259 weigh-in live stream: Watch Jan Blachowicz vs. Israel Adesanya online by Thomas Albano The Houston Rockets are going nowhere fast and shooting guard Victor Oladipo wants out, possibly to the Miami Heat. No team in the NBA is playing worse than the Houston
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers, (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) Anthony Davis honors Kobe Bryant with ‘5 Rings’ Kobe 5 Protro (Photo) by Mike Luciano Brett Gardner robs Randy Arozarena of home run with sensational catch (Video) by Alicia de Artola Tempers were running hot in the first quarter of
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat survived an epic Game 5 duel with LeBron and the Lakers. But there is still a long way to go. Game 5 was the stuff legends are built with. A three-point win. Seven leads changes in the final four minutes. Duncan Robinson, an undrafted second-year wing, pouring in 26
Twitter had a meltdown over the crazy finish to Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals. The 2020 NBA Finals heard you say they were boring, and they responded with a Game 5 for the ages. As the Miami Heat faced elimination Friday night, trailing 3-1 in the championship series, Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports First Week Finals separates the NBA’s contenders from the pretenders after the first week of every month of the season. Yes, technically it is not the first week after the first month of the 2020-21 NBA campaign, but it’s never too early to jump into the predictive time machine to see
Jan 1, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jason Terry (3) watches from the bench at an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports Adam Silver apologizes to Raptors president Masai Ujiri by Braulio Perez Jason Terry talked about the time he got viciously dunked on
There are three teams listed as reported trade destinations for Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry. This season, the Toronto Raptors were expected to be contenders in the Eastern Conference, especially after they retained Fred VanVleet on a long-term deal. Instead, the Raptors sit in fifth place in the conference standings with a 16-17 record, where
The Lakers obliterated the Heat in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals to win the title. The Miami Heat absorbed a punch from LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals, taking it in stride and countering with one of their own, courtesy of Jimmy Butler. That
The March 25 NBA trade deadline can’t come soon enough for these title hopefuls that need to bolster their rosters. As the first half of the 2020-21 NBA season winds down, front offices across the league need to conduct objective evaluations of their respective teams. Are they good enough to win this year’s championship as
With every new NBA season, we tend to forget a few things here and there; players or teams that go through a down year are often, warranted or not, cast aside for the next best thing, only to resurface in the NBA’s collective conscience later on. Like last season, for example, Dwight Howard was regarded