Miami Heat’s center Bam Adebayo has shown steady growth and development, putting him in the spotlight.
The Miami Heat have been one of the main pillars in the NBA as an organization that often finds undrafted gems, ultimately known for their player development.
To name a few of the most current players that fit the bill are Hassan Whiteside, James Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Justise Winslow (though is still a work in progress), Rodney McGruder, Wayne Ellington (who now has an all-around game), Josh Richardson (who is having breakout season), and last but not least, the No. 14 overall draft pick in the 2017 draft: big man Bam Adebayo.
Adebayo’s rookie production at a glance
Having appeared in 49 games, starting 11 of those contest, the first-year “rook” is averaging 7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds a matchup, in 20.6 minutes of play. He’s shooting a true shooting percentage of 60.1 percent, going 74 percent from the charity stripe, and has a player efficiency rate of 16.96 (with the league average is being 15.00).
Defensive effort
Adebayo ranks 29th among all NBA centers with 33 blocks and second amongst rookie centers, right behind fellow rookie Jarrett Allen of the Brooklyn Nets (who has 41). He also ranks 19th in steals among all centers with 27 and first for rookie centers. He’s 26th in rebounding with 260 among NBA centers and, No.1 for rookie centers in defensive rebounds.
Hustle Plays
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The young buck is averaging 1.1 deflections, 4.6 contested two-point shots, 2.1 3-point contested shots and 6.8 contested shots overall per game. He also averages 6.0 box out plays a game, which is the highest on the team (Whiteside is second with 5.6 and Kelly Olynyk comes in third with 5.1).
Adebayo’s development is trending in the right direction
For the month of February, Adebayo is off to the hottest start of his young NBA season and career. He’s averaging a season-best in points per game with 10.1, alongside 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks, in 24.4 minutes played. Interesting to note: the center averages 3.0 assists off hard set screens, when he decides to become a distributor of the basketball for his teammates.
These statistics show up in the eye test through high energy performances with relentless effort, high basketball IQ and freakish athleticism. Adebayo is also highly competitive. All attributes and intangibles that aren’t an option when you play for the Miami Heat.
What does it all mean?
If you’ve read this article up to this point and are thinking to yourself “if he continues this level of performance and play, Adebayo should be in the conversation for All-Rookie Defensive team,” you may not be wrong in your thinking.
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The rookie absolutely deserves to be recognized for his efforts.