Miami Heat: What will Bam Adebayo’s evolution look like?

The Miami Heat are about to enter a new era with some of their current players. This era includes the probable insertion of Bam Adebayo into the starting lineup.

With Hassan Whiteside being shipped off by the Miami Heat to the Portland Trail Blazers as apart of the Jimmy Butler sing and trade agreement, Bam Adebayo looks to be the starting center. Although Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard should see decent minutes as well, providing they aren’t traded, Adebayo looks to be the front runner for the job.

With that in mind though, what will Bam’s evolution look like as a player and especially one in a starting role? That is a good question, while also being one that can’t be easily answered, but here is what we think.

Adebayo is more skilled than most might think or know. While he has predominantly played the role of paint scorer and roll man over his time in the NBA, he seems to have more skills that he should be able to unpack during the regular season.

We know he is a big-time athlete, with the ability to sky for rebounds, dunks, and blocks, but what isn’t as apparent is a pretty decent jumper. As we documented earlier in the offseason, Adebayo has actually taken advantage of the tutelage of former Miami Heat champion Chris Bosh when it comes to getting open and taking his shots. This should come in handy for Adebayo as he looks to jump into and thrive in that starting role.

Something else that stands out when you look at Bam’s untapped abilities is his ability to handle the ball. While it’s safe to say he will never be the main ball handler, it does appear that he can handle pretty good when looking to create shots for himself or drive the lane. With his leaping and finishing ability, that should make for a pretty lethal dose of assaults on the rim.

Something else that is underrated about the Miami Heat big man’s game is his ability to pass it. While most of his dimes have come from the post position, the mere fact that he is capable and willing should provide optimism for what he will be able to do in varying positions on the floor and with more minutes to do them in.

Some have hypothesized that he will be this season’s version of Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors, while some have even taken to calling him Bam Garnett. Regardless of the comparisons, Bam’s game should begin to blossom more without as much in the way of him and more minutes.

It should be interesting and exciting to see it happen. The evolution will be televised!