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Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo: Then, now and what’s to come

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 25: Bam Adebayo
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 25: Bam Adebayo /
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BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 19: The Miami Heat during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 19, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 19: The Miami Heat during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 19, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Now

Despite only being a rookie, Adebayo has already very much gotten his feet wet into Miami Heat Basketball.

Having seen time in 40 games, the first-year is averaging 6.9 points and 5.0 rebounds a matchup, in 20.1 minutes of play. A part of the Platinum Group, the team’s second unit, the center has become a major part of why Miami has been so successful lately.

Take his recent eight points and 12 rebounds (alongside one block and one steal) in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. He came off the bench and brought life back to the court, as he shot 4-of-6 from the field and helped stop the opposition.

Adebayo was also crucial in a huge upset over the Toronto Raptors earlier this month, when he provided 16 points and 15 rebounds in 33 minutes. He went 8-for-14 from the field, and kept up with a top Eastern Conference team.

But the young fella also had his taste of starters minutes too.

He started 10 games in place of an injured Whiteside, like when he finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks in December.

And you best believe his teammates are noticing his impact.

"“Bam has made a huge impact on this team. When Whitey was hurt, he put up huge numbers for us,” Dragic said, speaking on Adebayo being left out of All-Star Weekend. “Even now, he’s a big part of this team and we think that he should be there representing the Miami Heat."

Currently among rookies, Adebayo ranks 19th in scoring, seven in rebounding, 20th in assists and 18th in minutes played. Numbers that should have the league talking. But as is the trend lately for the Heat, for now, he’ll remain an underdog.

"“I must have not done enough,” said Adebayo. But hey, I’ll get time to spend with my family and just move on from it. There’s always next year.”"

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