During Sunday night's matchup between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, Bam Adebayo found himself in a moment he'd probably like to forget-a wide-open three-pointer that sailed well off target. The airball came early in the first quarter, and while it was just one shot, it underscored a broader theme in Adebayo’s game this season: his ongoing evolution as a perimeter shooter.
Adebayo, a three-time All-Star known more for his defensive versatility and mid-range touch than his long-range game, has been working to stretch his shot out beyond the arc. But like any new wrinkle in a player’s arsenal, the growing pains are real.
He went 0-for-3 from deep in that game and is now just 1-for-15 on his last three-point attempts. The numbers aren’t pretty, but they do tell a story-one of a player pushing to expand his skill set in a league where big men are increasingly expected to space the floor.
Knicks color commentator and Hall of Famer Walt Frazier couldn’t help but have a little fun with the situation on the broadcast. After the miss, Frazier joked that maybe Adebayo’s partner could give him a few shooting tips.
That partner? None other than four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson.
Wilson, fresh off another Finals MVP performance and a career-best 42.4% shooting from deep last season, has become one of the most complete players in the women’s game. Her ability to knock down threes with confidence and consistency has added another layer to her already dominant presence. So it’s not a stretch to imagine the two working on their shooting together-and maybe even trading a little friendly competition along the way.
To be fair to Adebayo, there are signs of progress. Despite the recent slump, he’s averaging a career-high 1.4 three-point field goals attempted per game this season. That may not sound like much in today’s NBA, but for a player who’s historically operated in the paint and mid-range, it’s a meaningful step forward.
The shot might not be falling just yet, but the willingness is there-and that’s half the battle. Adebayo has already proven he’s one of the most intelligent and adaptable bigs in the league. If the outside shot starts to click, even modestly, it could unlock new dimensions for both him and the Heat offense.
So while Sunday’s airball made for a lighthearted moment-and a good-natured jab from Frazier-it also served as a reminder: the journey to becoming a complete player isn’t always smooth, but it’s the effort to improve that separates good from great. And Bam Adebayo clearly isn’t done adding to his game.