Bam Adebayo‘s sophomore year with the Miami Heat could shape up to be something spectacular.
After not playing in the first three preseason games for the Miami Heat, Bam Adebayo put on a show Wednesday night, in his second game of the preseason.
He played 27 minutes, finishing with 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting from the field, 12 rebounds, three blocks and five steals in the Heat’s 140-128 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
This was all in the absence of starting center Hassan Whiteside — giving a clear view of the impact Adebayo could have on the Heat this season.
Last season, Adebayo averaged 6.9 points in 19.8 minutes, over 69 games.
He said talking to reporters after Wednesday’s win, that he feels like a lot better player this season.
"“I feel more comfortable, feel more assertive. I’m just out there having fun, playing free now.”"
‘Playing free’ is all the Heat could want out of a second-year player with that much potential.
He could see more minutes as well, depending on how aggressively Whiteside performs during his time on the court.
In the second half of last season and into the playoffs, Whiteside did not play at the level he was expected to.
If this lack of effort from him is seen again, head coach Erik Spolestra will probably look to Adebayo to play more minutes or even possibly start.
Versatility is the name of the game
During his stand-out performance Wednesday, Adebayo reassured his athleticism and versatility on both ends of the floor.
Five of his 12 rebounds were on the offensive end, and he was pushing the ball to speed up the pace — something not usually seen from a player at the five spot.
Not to not to mention his quick switches on defense and adaptability.
Exhibit A:
Player mistakenly thinks he has a mismatch with Bam Adebayo, Vol. 87. pic.twitter.com/LdBXvC4C5j
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) October 11, 2018
And if fans needed anymore proof that Adebayo is worth believing in, they can look no further than the recent comments of Heat legend and vice president Alonzo Mourning, on Miami’s 790 The Ticket:
"“I judge a person by their work ethic. He already has the skill but his work ethic is off the charts. I know he is going to be the best player in our organization. He will lead our franchise one day to the promised land.”"
The promised land?
That is starting to sound a lot better than Jimmy Butler right about now.
Heat Nation can rest assured that big things are coming from Adebayo, moving forward.