6 potential Miami Heat draft targets to watch in the Sweet 16
By Frank Urbina
Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
The most talented team remaining in contention are the Kentucky Wildcats. They currently boast three freshmen in DX’s first round mock, one of them being center Bam Adebayo.
He wouldn’t fill an immediate need for Miami, but he’s one of the best young big men in college basketball. Over his last ten games, Adebayo is averaging 15.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, on 62.2 percent shooting, 72.7 from the foul line.
He’s not remotely a threat from outside, but has a 6-foot-10, 260-pound frame that makes him very difficult to defend down low. Adebayo’s size and plus-athleticism help him finish an astounding 77.9 percent of his opportunities near the rim (stat via Hoop Math).
The Heat taking Adebayo wouldn’t make much sense if they land a top 14 pick, but if they end up in the late teens, he could be drafted as the best player available.
Kentucky’s center is a ferocious rebounder, with the early makings of a decent post game.
His above-average hands for a big and overall potential could make him a savvy pick by Riley in the mid-first round. And who knows, perhaps he comes on sooner than expected and eventually makes Hassan Whiteside an expendable asset.