After being handed a massive contract extension over the summer, it was looking like the Miami Heat were ready to make Bam Adebayo the new face of the franchise. Their moves during the offseason also suggested that they were not desperate to win immediately and instead had a long-term vision in mind.

This was built up as the year when Adebayo took his next step towards superstardom. He was expected to become a bigger part of the offense and there was also talk of him shooting more threes coming into the season.

Keeping all of this in mind, the Heat’s start to the season has been confusing. Adebayo has been a major disappointment and is averaging 11 points, 3 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Adebayo is making just 39.5% from the field. For context, he has never shot less than 51.2%, which was in his rookie season. He has yet to make a single three-pointer after the first four games.

Naturally, Adebayo has attracted a lot of criticism. But at the same time, it is important to recognise that the conditions might not be right for him to succeed.

Over the first four games of this season, he has made a combined 38 shots from the field or an average of 9.5 per game. On the other hand, Terry Rozier has taken 57 while Tyler Herro has taken 65.

As Michael Saenz wrote in an article on Sir Charles in Charge: “Through the first four games of the season, I’d say the biggest mistake the team has been making comes in their handling of Bam Adebayo. He’s not being put in a position to lead when he should probably be the primary focal point of the team on both ends of the floor.”

Saenz further added: “Simply put, the Heat are treating Bam like the fourth-best player on the team when he is pretty clearly their best. At this point, in what is the prime of his career, Bam should be absolutely offended with how the Heat is using him so far this season.”

The Miami coaching team are celebrated for getting the best out of their players. But they need to recognise that things are not working right now and adjustments need to be made.

Jimmy Butler could easily have the same complaints as Adebayo, having taken just 43 shots over the first four games of the season.