Is Miami Heat rookie Bam Adebayo headed to the Gatorade League?
Miami Heat rookie Bam Adebayo is ready to tip off the 2017-18 season. And seeing as the team plays their first regular season game on Wednesday, October 18 against the Orlando Magic, he doesn’t have long to wait.
The question is, will the young buck spend the entirety of the year with the organization?
For now, the center will indeed come off the bench for the Heat. After averaging 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 12.3 minutes, over six preseason matchups, head coach Erik Spoelstra feels as though the No. 14 pick has earned some tick.
"“He’s going to be with us early on, because he’s earned that. And then we’ll be open to whatever.”"
Whatever, meaning a possible stint with the team’s Gatorade League affiliate team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
It won’t be because Adebayo isn’t skilled though. After all, he finished the team’s preseason win over the Washington Wizards with 15 points (on 6-of-10 shooting from the field) and 2 rebounds, in 23 minutes. Following that performance by totaling 13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block in 24 minutes, in a loss versus the Philadelphia 76ers.
Pretty impressive considering it was the 20-year-old’s first real look at NBA basketball.
The problem (if one can really call it that), is Miami is too deep.
He would be coming in behind James Johnson, Kelly Olynyk and Hassan Whiteside, also potentially having to back up guys like Udonis Haslem, Jordan Mickey and Okaro White. He would even be competing with A.J. Hammons for minutes, despite being sidelined the entirety of preseason with the flu.
"“The most important thing, obviously, is getting our rotation and having some depth from there. And the main thing being the main thing, are we playing to our abilities for whoever’s out there?”"
(It’s good to see Spoelstra hasn’t left his Spoisms behind.)
Obviously, Adebayo will have to prove to the coaching staff that he’s ready to contribute. But not just period, in comparison to other guys as well. Something that can be tricky, given how many power players the Heat currently house.
So should the center perhaps spend some time with the Skyforce, once their season starts November 4?
It all depends on if Spoelstra and company give him enough time on the floor to work on his craft.
"“…in terms of individual player development, if guys aren’t playing then we’ll visit [the idea] they may need some game time in Sioux Falls.”"
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Whether or not rookie Bam Adebayo spends this whole season with the Miami Heat, they surely drafted a guy with a bright future ahead of him.