[Chiang] Heat’s Bam Adebayo ready to put summer work to the test: ‘I’m always looking to improve everything’

Yes, Adebayo continued to work on his three-point shooting this offseason. But improving as an outside shooter wasn’t the only item on his summer to-do list.

“I’m always looking to improve everything — it’s not just one thing specifically,” Adebayo made clear. “Obviously, everybody is going to point out the three-point shooting. But for me, it’s like decision making when you need to be able to make a play, read the game, being able to be the second coach on the floor besides your head coach. Being able to be, when we can’t hear [coach Erik Spoelstra] because he’s on the far end, being able to communicate and understand what the goal is throughout the game.

“Like I said, everybody is going to look at my three-point shooting and be like, ‘Oh, that’s what he worked on.’ Of course I did. It’s due for development. Any great player wants to develop to be a three-level scorer, and that’s what I strive to be. But for me, it’s not really just one particular thing when it comes to development.”

Among the potential areas of growth for Adebayo on offense include continuing to refine his post-up package, finding ways to generate more shots around the rim and making the three-point shot an even bigger part of his game.

As one of the Heat’s leading men, Adebayo hopes to help put the Heat in a better postseason position this time around.

“To me, being a leading man — to simplify it — means to win,” said Adebayo, who is entering his second season as the Heat’s captain. “It doesn’t matter how that looks. But being the man in front and winning takes care of all the other things that people want to put a narrative behind or twist words. To me, leading man means to win.”