Ware and Jovic have their mission

Jovic and Ware will probably play well in Adebayo’s absence because of “The Ewing Theory.” From a Bill Simmons ESPN article in 2009, the Ewing theory was created by a friend of his, claiming that other athletes play better without the star player than with him. They cite Patrick Ewing’s achilles tear in the 1999 NBA playoffs. The Knicks responded by winning series and advancing to their second NBA finals in team history.

Other examples were Peyton Manning’s departure from the University of Tennessee (they won the 1999 National title,) Donyell Marshall leaving the UConn basketball team (and becoming the #1 team in the nation,) and Ken Griffey getting traded from the Mariners in 1999 (the Mariners ended up winning the AL Wildcard.)

Points and rebounds have to impact the game

Without a doubt, Ware and Jovic will score plenty. But, as coined in an article by Ira Winderman, Coach Spoelstra says points and rebounds that don’t impact the game are “empty calories.” At the end of the 16 game stretch, if Ware averages 20 and 10 but doesn’t impact the game, the Heat get dominated, then his mission is a failure.

Similarly, Jovic’s career rebounding average is 3.3 rebounds per game. At the end of the 16 games, if Jovic’s rebounding average is below five per game, his mission will be a failure. Jovic signed a $60 million dollar contract this year and if he wants another, then he has to show he isn’t a player like Andrea Bargnani.

Will both players have a “breakthrough moment?” The Heat need it, they need it (for their financial future) and Bam Adebayo needs it (to not rush back from injury.) Vlad Goldin was called up to bolster the power rotation. He is a “high motor player.” No doubt about it, he can outplay both men (and take their salaries if they don’t perform.)