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Miami Heat: Drafting Bam Adebayo was 2017-18’s forgotten headline

By Allana Tachauer

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 25: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat prepares to rebound the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 25: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat prepares to rebound the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Miami Heat’s success in drafting Bam Adebayo has gone overlooked.

2017-18 was a rollercoaster ride for the Miami Heat. So in a way, it’s not surprising how overlooked Bam Adebayo’s rookie year has gone.

But now, with the off-season in full swing and fans finally able to really reflect back on the year, it’s time to take note of just how successful drafting the big man really was. Especially given the immediate reaction of Heat Nation, when having learned who the organization selected.

Miami picked Adebayo at No. 14 in the 2017 NBA Draft, bringing aboard a young, athletic backup for Hassan Whiteside. A product of Kentucky Basketball, it was understood that despite being just 20-years-old, he would already have a worthwhile work ethic, and a consistent hunger to improve.

Oh, and it didn’t hurt that he made 13-of-25 3-pointers during one of his pre-draft workouts.

The Heat having found a hidden gem in the 7-footer only became more apparent when he showed out during the team’s Summer League run, shortly thereafter being recognized in the league’s Rookie Survey as highly athletic and a top defender.

However, along the way, Adebayo’s narrative was overshadowed.

Between bigger headlines like Dion Waiters‘ needing surgery and Whiteside’s temperament, and consistent storylines of injuries and rotational changes, there was always something else to focus on.

But the center had a great rookie year.

At first glance, perhaps his 6.9 points and 5.5 rebounds a game don’t pop off the page. Even his 9.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest in December may not be enough to wow everyone. Others could still be unimpressed with his 102.1 defensive rating.

With Adebayo though, it goes so much deeper than straight numbers.

Because while fans should already like what they see from those types of statistics alone, they should really be in awe with how well-rounded his game is already. At only 20. Having played just one season of professional basketball.

Take his November 28 game, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Adebayo totaled a career-high 19 points on 7-for-7 shooting, but that wasn’t all. He also recorded six rebounds, two assists and a block, in just 18 minutes of play.

It’s the way he made it happen, too.

He dunked the ball with power. He hit jumpers with ease. And even saw some defensive time against LeBron James.

The New Jersey-native had several other double-digit performances, that really showcased his ability to bully his opponents in the paint. Take the December 11 game against the Memphis Grizzlies, for example. Adebayo finished with 14 points in 23 minutes, shooting 5-for-6 from the field and going 4-of-5 from the line.

As for his defense? Well, that stayed strong throughout the season too.

Say, when he locked down Draymond Green and Steph Curry on December 3, versus the Golden State Warriors?

No matter how you slice it, it’s undeniable: Adebayo was a steal.

Next: Turning up the Heat: It's time for Miami to move on from Whiteside

There may have been much to talk about in regards to Miami Heat’s 2017-18 run, but something that should never go forgotten is the success of drafting Adebayo.

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