3 early takeaways from Miami Heat’s hot start to 2019-20 NBA season

Duncan Robinson and Bam Adebayo exceeding expectations

Duncan Robinson spent a good portion of his 2018-19 rookie campaign suiting up for the team’s G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. In 15 appearances for the Miami Heat (including one start), Robinson averaged just 3.3 points per contest on 39.1 percent shooting from the field and 28.6 percent from 3-point range.

Not exactly the kind of stats that scream star potential. In Year 2, though, Robinson’s trajectory is trending upward, to say the least.

In the Heat’s first seven games, not only has Robinson reached double figures three times, in two of those outings, he scored 21 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves and contributed 23 points and six rebounds in the team’s recent win over the Rockets.

He is also shooting 51.0 percent from the floor and an impressive 44.7 percent from beyond the arc despite more than doubling his attempts from last season.

During his time in the G-League, Robinson missed a total of 38 games, including 26 DNP-CDs. But as long as he continues to produce when his number is called, it is safe to say that he will be a valuable part of the rotation.

Another forward on the Heat roster who is performing well is Bam Adebayo. Coming off a sophomore season that saw him average 8.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest, Adebayo’s numbers are up across the board.

Through the first seven games of the season, his averages include 12.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and an eye-popping 4.9 assists on 51.9 percent shooting from the field. Additionally, Adebayo leads the team in rebounds and blocks.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra stated that he expected the versatile big man to take his game to the next level this season. And if the first six games are an indicator of what Adebayo is capable of, he will live up to those expectations.