Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has a bright future ahead of him.
Welcome to a new series on AllUCanHeat, that takes a look at the past, present and future of some of Miami Heat’s finest. Today, the spotlight is on Bam Adebayo, a rookie out of the University of Kentucky.
Drafted No. 14 overall last summer by the Heat, many were unsure what to make of the organization’s selection. Not having been on much of Heat Nation’s radar, questions began to arise whether or not president Pat Riley knew what he was doing. But as usual, it turns out he absolutely did. Because 49 games into the 2017-18 season, and it’s already clear what kind of future the big man could have in South Florida.
Sure, it may still be very early on in the center’s career, but so far the stars have aligned in such a way that Adebayo has already been able to show flashes of potential.
Between teammate Hassan Whiteside being sidelined twice with a bone bruise and Miami’s second unit having to pick up much of the slack recently, the 20-year-old has had to step up.
Defensively, he’s done exactly what is expected of a 7-footer: use size to his advantage. Adebayo’s long and strong frame has been a nightmare for opponents to both shoot over and try to get around. But the good news is, the kid can also shoot. While playing at the rim may be easier for someone of his height, he also has a jumper that will only get prettier with time.
So let’s take a look at where Adebayo started, where he’s at currently, and what his future may hold.
Then
Bam Adebayo was born Edrice Femi Adebayo on July 18, 1997. It was only after he flipped over a table while watching The Flintstones, in an effort to mimic Bamm-Bamm Rubble, that he was nicknamed Bam by his mother.
A native of Newark, New Jersey, his basketball career didn’t really take off until he moved to North Carolina. As a senior, he averaged 18.9 points, 13.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game. This resulted in being named North Carolina Mr. Basketball in 2016, and participating in both the 2016 McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. ESPN rated Adebayo the No. 5 player in the 2016 high school class, and eventually he committed to Kentucky.
Having played in 38 games, he averaged 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per contest, contributing in a major way to his team’s NCAA Tournament run. In the first round, Adebayo grabbed 18 rebounds, and finished with 13 points and seven rebounds in an Elite Eight loss to the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
His collegiate success led the big man to enter into the 2017 NBA Draft, and the rest is history. The Heat scooped him up with the fourteenth pick and he now comes off the bench behind Whiteside, a fellow 7-footer.
The center had a pretty smooth transition into the pros, by way of Summer League play. In just four games in Orlando, Adebayo averaged 17.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks a game, crushing it on both ends of the floor. This kept up in Vegas over three matchups, having averaged 15.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest.
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.”"
What’s To Come
Adebayo may have been nicknamed Baby Dwight Howard already, but fans shouldn’t expect a similar career. Because as long as the center keeps working hard and buying into the Miami Heat Culture, he should have a stable and fulfilling road ahead.
It’s already obvious that his teammates love playing alongside him, and that Riley saw the No. 14 pick as a diamond in the rough. So what about head coach Erik Spoelstra?
"“That kid is earning minutes. He’s making us play him regardless of what the combination is. And what’s what you want to do as a competitor. Forget positions, forget roles, make a team play you.”"
High praise for Spoelstra, especially so early on in Adebayo’s career.
The rookie has shown his ability to hold things down while needing to fill in for Whiteside, but what’s even more impressive is how well he was able to transition out of that role, and not just back Whiteside up, but play alongside him.
And he enjoys every minute of it, to boot.
"“That was the best thing for me. Just having him by my side.”"
Adebayo also obviously plays well with the team’s other giant, Kelly Olynyk. Only further proving his versatility.
Although at the end of the day one never knows what could happen, fans should get used to seeing Adebayo’s name in the team’s boxscore. Because so far, it doesn’t seem like the organization is even thinking about letting him go, despite how many Trade Machine scenarios have involved the 20-year-old as a bargaining piece.
Next: Miami Heat: The recent emergence of the Platinum Group
Here’s to Miami Heat rookie Bam Adebayo, for his past accomplishments, current achievements and future endeavors.