Updating the Miami Heat’s 2017-18 depth chart after the draft
By Lucas Gama
![Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Duane Notice (10) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Duane Notice (10) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fe78f44bacbf93f8029076890e35f93070a19d1768e500eb772b194654bf7962.jpg)
Center
Starter: Hassan Whiteside
Backup: Bam Adebayo
This will help us all feel a little better. The Miami Heat are deep at the center position and have found their replacement to Willie Reed. With the possibility of Reed leaving, the Heat needed to make sure they found a backup center that could replace him.
In the 2017 NBA draft, the Heat were able to find just that. They selected Bam Adebayo with the 14th pick. The center out of Kentucky has a similar skill set to Hassan Whiteside, with both being great rim protectors and able to crash the glass. Adebayo is a beast standing at 6’9, 258 lbs with only 7.2% body fat and a wingspan of 7’1.5.
Adebayo and Whiteside are both freakish athletes at the center position. Having one of those two on the court at all times is something Heat fans should be excited for.
Next: Why Heat fans should be excited about Bam Adebayo
Also, Heat fans should be excited for the development of our prized big man, Hassan Whiteside. He has already shown great improvement this past season, and he will only continue to improve in this system. With Whiteside and Adebayo, the Heat have a solid foundation at the center position.