The Miami Heat faced a significant challenge even before Bam Adebayo left the game in the first quarter of Wednesday's loss to the Denver Nuggets, exposing ongoing issues with their center position.
After hobbling off into the locker room at Ball Arena, Adebayo's absence revealed the team's precarious roster situation, with only Adebayo and second-year Kel’el Ware considered viable at center.
“We only got two, true — I mean Bam’s not a true center — guys that can play the five on this team,”said veteran guard Norman Powell.
With Adebayo limited to just 8:12 of the game, the team struggled, being out-rebounded 61-38 and surrendering a 21-5 offensive glass disadvantage. At times, the Heat had to utilize less traditional options like Nikola Jovic and Keshad Johnson as center substitutes.
The team is awaiting the results of tests on Adebayo’s left foot on Thursday, raising questions about whether Erik Spoelstra’s team can maintain competitiveness with such a thin frontcourt.